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. Each type lowers blood pressure in different ways. More than 60 different drugs are currently available to treat hypertension. Within each category, there are multiple individual classes of medications.

Diuretics--Reduce the amount of fluid within the blood vessels by increasing the excretion of water and salt through the kidneys

Thiazides, the most popular being hydrochlorothiazide

Furosemide and bumetamide

Indapamide

Sympathetic Nervous Inhibitors--Slow the heart

Guanfacine

Alpha-blockers (relax blood vessels)

Doxazosin, terazosin

Beta-blockers (slow the heart and reduce the force of its contractions)

Atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and about 8 others

Vasodilators--Open the blood vessels and allow the arteries to expand

Hydralazine and Minoxidil

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (relax blood vessels)

Captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, and others

Angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs) (relax blood vessels)

Candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, and others

Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) (relax blood vessels)

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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