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ARTICLE

Blood Pressure Medications: 5 Common Options

Reviewed by Claudia Levi, R.N.
September 12, 2024

When you have high blood pressure (hypertension), a healthy lifestyle is part of a successful treatment plan. For many people, treatment also includes prescription medications.

Each class of hypertension medication is different. Here’s what you should know about the most common types of high blood pressure medications, how they work, their drug names, and their side effects:

1. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers dilate blood vessels or make them bigger. This way, blood flows more easily, putting less stress on the heart. Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, which also can help people feel calmer.

Beta-blockers have a long history of effectiveness. They’re generally taken once or twice a day with or without food. Your medical provider may need to adjust your dose at times.

Common beta-blockers:

  • Acebutolol (Sectral)
  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Metoprolol (Lopressor or Toprol XL)
  • Nadolol (Corgard)
  • Pindolol (Visken)
  • Propranolol (Inderal or InnoPran XL)

Possible side effects: Beta-blockers can cause dizziness and may even make you feel sleepy. Some people experience insomnia, nightmares, constipation, or weight gain.

2. Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers work by opening narrow blood vessels, easing pressure on the heart.

Common calcium channel blockers:

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, or Tiazac)
  • Felodipine (Plendil)
  • Nicardipine (Cardene SR)
  • Nifedipine LA (Adalat CC or Procardia XL)
  • Nisoldipine (Sular)
  • Verapamil (Verelan)

Possible side effects: Side effects of calcium channel blockers can include constipation, headache, low blood pressure, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles.

3. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors lower a hormone called angiotensin that raises blood pressure. ACE inhibitors have an added benefit. They also help keep kidneys healthy.

Common ACE inhibitors:

  • Benazepril (Lotensin)
  • Captopril (Capoten)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
  • Fosinopril (Monopril)
  • Lisinopril (Prinivil or Zestril)
  • Moexipril (Univasc)
  • Perindopril (Aceon)
  • Quinapril (Accupril)
  • Ramipril (Altace)
  • Trandolapril (Mavik)

Possible side effects: Some people taking ACE inhibitors experience a dry cough. In most cases, the cough goes away over time. Be careful with eating potassium-rich foods because ACE inhibitors can raise potassium levels.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs (listed below) can be dangerous to take while pregnant, so talk to your doctor if you’re taking one and think you’re pregnant or want to become pregnant.

4. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARBs work in a very similar way as ACE inhibitors, keeping arteries from being narrow by blocking angiotensin.

They’re often used if a person has a dry cough as a side effect from an ACE inhibitor.

Common ARBs:

  • Candesartan (Atacand)
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
  • Valsartan (Diovan)

Possible side effects: Some people may experience low potassium or kidney damage while taking an ARB.

5. Diuretic Medications

Diuretics are sometimes called water pills. Diuretics help the kidneys get rid of extra salt (sodium) and water. This allows the heart to work without the added strain of too much fluid.

Common diuretics:

  • Amiloride (Midamor Chlorthalidone or Hygroton)
  • Bumetanide (Bumex)
  • Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
  • Furosemide (Lasix)
  • Hydrochlorothiazide or HCTZ (Esidrix or Hydrodiuril)
  • Indapamide (Lozol)
  • Metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
  • Torsemide (Demadex)
  • Triamterene (Dyrenium)

Possible side effects: Diuretics can lower potassium. Be sure to eat potassium-rich foods with these medicines. Your healthcare provider might suggest taking a vitamin while on a diuretic.

Some people may also experience low sodium levels, dehydration, frequent urination, headaches, or dizziness.

Taking More Than One Medicine to Lower Blood Pressure

For some people, treatment for high blood pressure includes more than one medication. This may mean two or more different prescriptions, or it may mean a pill that contains several medicines.

What Is the Best Blood Pressure Medication?

Every person is unique. The best medication for you may be different from the one that’s best for a friend or family member with high blood pressure. Make treatment decisions together with your doctor based on your condition and your personal health history.

You might need to try a medication to see if it works well for you and doesn’t cause major side effects. It’s important to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home and keeping up with doctor visits can help your care team see any changes to your blood pressure. This way, they can adjust your medicine and dosage so they’re most effective.

Always take your medications as directed, and let your doctor know if you have any side effects.

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