Common Medication Prescribed

There are many different classes of medications used to lower blood pressure:

• Diuretics. Sometimes called "water pills," these drugs work by eliminating excess water and salt from the body. Diuretics are usually the first medications used when treating high blood pressure or they are used in combination with other drugs. These medications are inexpensive and highly effective.
• Beta blockers. These drugs reduce the heart rate and the output of blood by counteracting hormones called adrenaline and noradrenaline.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs interfere with the production of angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and increases salt retention.
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs block the angiotensin receptor found in many tissues, primarily in vascular smooth muscle. ARBs are rarely associated with dry cough, a common side effect in patients on ACE inhibitors.
• Calcium channel blockers. These drugs work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the heart rate. If you take these drugs, don't eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice because these can interfere with your calcium channel blocker and increase your risk of side effects.
• Vasodilators. These drugs cause the vessel walls to dilate, relaxing their walls and lowering blood pressure.
• Central nervous system agents. These drugs prevent the brain from sending impulses that stimulate blood vessels to constrict. Constriction raises blood pressure.

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.