Drugs for hypertension
Article Abstract:
The treatment alternatives for high blood pressure (hypertension) are continually changing. Many new antihypertensive agents have been developed, and non-pharmacologic treatment, or approaches not involving drug therapy, are become more prevalent. Weight loss, restriction of alcohol intake, and decreased sodium intake, have been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure, whereas routine aerobic exercise and an increase in dietary potassium are less proven approaches. Antihypertensive agents that are currently available in the US are listed, along with daily adult dose and any significant side effects. Drugs currently used for hypertension include diuretics, which increase the elimination of body fluid; drugs that prevent the action of the sympathetic nervous system; drugs that act within the brain to prevent sympathetic responses; and agents that can directly dilate the blood vessels. The antihypertensive agents that prevent peripheral sympathetic activity can be subsumed (classified) into the beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, such as propranolol; the alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, which dilate both veins and arteries; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which prevent the formation of angiotensin II, a substance that constricts blood vessels; and calcium channel blockers, which prevent calcium entry into the cells. Antihypertensive agents may interact with other drugs, resulting in adverse effects. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease the effectiveness of various antihypertensive agents, including diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors. The choice of an antihypertensive drug is influenced by factors such as race and the presence of coexisting disease, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes, bronchospasm (pulmonary disease), or hyperlipidemia (abnormally high blood lipid levels). (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Drugs for hypertension
Article Abstract:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-adrenergic blockers, calcium-channel blockers and diuretics provide the best results with fewest side effects for many patients with high blood pressure. Thiazide-type diuretics are the most effective diuretics for lowering blood pressure by reducing water retention. They may be used with other anti-hypertensive drugs and are available in combination forms with set doses. Beta-blockers are particularly good as a first medicine for treating hypertension. Issues to consider in selecting high blood pressure medicine include the potential side effects of each and reactions between anti-inflammatory medicines and anti-hypertensive agents. Diabetics, African-American patients and patients with congestive heart failure or bronchospastic pulmonary disease have special health needs that may require treatment with certain drugs and avoidance of others. Doctors may want to lower drug dosage and encourage lifestyle changes after blood pressure has been maintained at an acceptable level for at least one year.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Drugs for hypertension
Article Abstract:
Classes of drugs that effectively reduce high blood pressure have different mechanisms of action, side effects, and benefits. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, beta-adrenergic (beta) blockers, and calcium-channel blockers are well-tolerated. Beta-blockers and diuretics may decrease the death rate in patients with high blood pressure. Unlike other medications, ACE inhibitors, alpha-adrenergic blockers, and calcium channel blockers do not increase blood fats associated with heart disease. Some drugs are more suitable than others for specific patient groups. Black patients have a greater response to diuretics and calcium channel blockers than to other agents. Diabetics and patients with congestive heart failure may benefit most from ACE inhibitors. Beta-blockers are appropriate for patients with chest pain, migraine, and those who have had a heart attack.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Drugs for parasitic infections
- Abstracts: Introduction. Conclusion. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral contraceptive steroids: factors influencing steroid metabolism
- Abstracts: Drugs for psychiatric disorders. Topical drugs for vaginal candidiasis. Drugs for ambulatory asthma
- Abstracts: Preparing the colon for the barium enema examination. Barium enema. Incarcerated obturator hernia: case diagnosed at barium enema fluoroscopy
- Abstracts: Changes in psychosocial adjustment after renal transplantation. Psychological guidelines in the management of paediatric organ transplantation