Top Hypertension Medications: How to Choose the Right Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Classes/groups of hypertension medications

• Diuretics

• Alpha-blockers

• Alpha-2 receptor agonists

• Beta-blockers

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Vasodilators

• Aldosterone receptor antagonists

• Direct renin inhibitors

• Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors

Top Hypertension medications

Diltiazem

Brand names: Cardizem, Dilt-XR, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Cardizem LA, Tiadylt ER, Tiazac, Cardizem CD

Group/class: Calcium channel blockers

Diltiazem works for hypertension and angina. Calcium contracts the muscle cells of the blood vessels, which increases the blood pressure on them. Diltiazem blocks the calcium going into the blood vessels. Less calcium relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure.

Angina (chest pain) occurs when blood vessels have insufficient blood in the blood vessels, which usually happens due to hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart. Diltiazem prevents chest pain by widening the arteries, which increases the heart's flow of blood and oxygen.

How to take Diltiazem?

• Diltiazem is available as a tablet (regular and extended release) and extended-release capsule.

• Take Diltiazem orally, as directed on the prescription level, daily until you are advised otherwise.

• Please discuss with your doctor or care team whether you should take it with or without food, as interactions may vary.

Metolazone

Brand names: Zaroxolyn, Mykrox

Group/class: Diuretics

Metolazone does not strictly belong to the Thiazide diuretics group of medication, but it is chemically related to them and works similarly. Thiazide diuretic medications decrease sodium reabsorption, increasing fluid loss in urine. Consequently, the volume of extracellular fluid and plasma drops. Less extracellular fluid and plasma volume reduces cardiac output (a measurement of how hard the heart has to work to pump blood across the body) and lowers blood pressure.

 Metolazone quickly reaches the bloodstream upon administration and is distributed throughout the body. It gets concentrated in the Kidneys, where it shows its diuretic effects. Metolazone (water pill) increases the amount of salt and water excreted in the urine by preventing the kidneys from retaining these substances. Metolazone also helps widen the blood vessels. Therefore, Metolazone decreases blood pressure.

How to take Metolazone?

• Metolazone is typically taken orally once daily.

• Some lifestyle changes may be advised by your doctor, such as weight loss, limiting salt intake, increasing potassium intake, etc. Follow the instructions carefully.

• Your doctor may change your dose sometimes to achieve the best results.

Amlodipine

Brand names: Katerzia, Norvasc, Norliqva

Group/class: Calcium channel blockers

The vascular smooth muscles typically contract when calcium enters the cell through voltage-dependent l-type calcium channels. The entered calcium gets bonded with intracellular calmodulin. The intracellular calmodulin binds to myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and activates it. MLCK ultimately leads to muscle contraction and vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure.

Amlodipine blocks the voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels, inhibiting initial calcium influx. Reduced calcium decreases vascular smooth muscle contractility and increases smooth muscle relaxation. Amlodipine relieves chest discomfort by relaxing arteries and lowering blood pressure via relaxing blood vessels. It is a very popular medication for hypertension. It is also known as Generic Norvasc 2.5mg tablets.

How to take Amlodipine?

• Amlodipine is usually taken once a day with or without food.

• The complete tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not take it with grapefruit juice. It may exacerbate the adverse effects.

Ramipril

Brand name: Altace

Group/class: ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a complex system that regulates blood pressure in the body. ACE inhibitors work by interfering with this system. Low blood volume, low salt, and high potassium levels cause our kidneys to release an enzyme called renin. Angiotensinogen, the primary substrate for renin, is synthesized in the liver.

Renin catalyzes the breakdown of these circulating angiotensinogens to create angiotensin I. After that, angiotensin I is changed by angiotensin-converting enzymes into angiotensin II, which is physiologically active. Angiotensin II contracts the surrounding muscles, narrowing blood vessels and raisingels and raises blood pressure. Additionally, it promotes the release of aldosterone, which stimulates salt and water reabsorption, raising blood pressure and volume. Ace inhibitors reduce blood pressure by preventing angiotensin II synthesis, including salt and urine excretion.

How to take Ramipril?

• Ramipril is usually taken twice daily.

• Initially, your doctor may find it most appropriate to put you on a lower dose and increase it over time until they decide which dose is the best for you.

• Your doctor may recommend taking the medication at bedtime first, as Ramipril can make you dizzy.

How do you buy hypertension medications?

In this era of e-commerce, people prefer to buy high blood pressure medications online, like any other product. People receive several benefits by purchasing their medications online. The best part is getting the best quality medications at the lowest prices.

Conclusion

With so many available options, it is hard to decide which medication is the best for an individual. The best option is to leave this task to a doctor. The selection of your medication depends on several factors, such as age, medical history, other medications you are taking, etc. Your doctor may suggest the best medication/combination for you based on these factors. The combination of hypertension medications can go from a combination of 2 medications to a combination of four medicines at a time based on an individual's particular condition and requirement.