We cannot detail all of the medications available to treat hypertension, nor do we wish to second-guess your doctor's decisions regarding the medications prescribed to you. For information purposes only, we can touch on the most common medications and their general affects. For more detailed information on drug interactions or possible side effects, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the drug manufacturer.

There are 3 main types of antihypertensive drugs which lower blood pressure in different ways, as shown on the above figure.

Diuretics Reduce the amount of fluid within the blood vessels
Sympathetic nervous inhibitors Slow the heart
Vasodilators Open the blood vessels

Within each category, there are multiple individual types. They include:

Diuretics

Thiazides, the most popular being hydrochlorothiazide

Furosemide and bumetamide

Indapamide

Sympathetic Nervous Inhibitors

Guanfacine

Alpha-blockers: Doxazosin, Terazosin

Beta-blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol, and about 8 others

Vasodilators

Hydralazine and Minoxidil

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)  including captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others

Angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs) including candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, and others.

Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) including amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil, and others.

Most patients with high blood pressure will need more than one drug to bring their blood pressure to below 140/90. Combinations of various drugs in one tablet are available.

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