Antihypertensives are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Antihypertensive therapy aims to avoid high blood pressure complications such as stroke and myocardial infarction.
BETA-BLOCKERS
BETA-BLOCKERS (Ends in “lol”): also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Lowers blood pressure by reducing the heart rate, heart’s workload, and the heart’s output.
EXAMPLES:
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol fumarate
- Carteolol hydrochloride
- Metoprolol tartrate
- Metoprolol succinate
- Nadolol
- Penbutolol sulfate
- Pindolol
- Propranolol hydrochloride
- Timolol maleate
CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS
CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS (Ends in “dipine” with few exceptions): Calcium in cells causes stronger and harder contractions. Calcium channel blockers, therefore, prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and arteries. This results in decreased amount of calcium in the cells thereby reducing the contraction force of the heart.
EXAMPLES:
- Amlodipine besylate
- Nifedipine
- Felodipine
- Isradipine
- Nicardipine
- Nisoldipine
- Bepridil vasocor
- Diltiazem hydrochloride
- Verapamil hydrochloride
ACE INHIBITORS
ACE INHIBITORS (Ends in “pril”): Reduces the production of angiotensin(which causes arteries to become narrow) by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme thereby help relax and open up blood vessels. This in turn, lowers the blood pressure.
EXAMPLES:
- Lisinopril
- Benazepril hydrochloride
- Captopril
- Enalapril maleate
- Fosinopril sodium
- Moexipril
- Perindopril
- Quinapril hydrochloride
- Ramipril
- Trandolapril