![]() ![]() Skin reactions, some severe, are possible with thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide).Changes in blood sugar levels are also possible.There is also an increased risk for gout with diuretics - as well as the possibility of weakness, thirst, dehydration, and increased urination.Diuretics can lead to an increase in potassium loss, known as hypokalemia, which, in turn, can affect muscular function - including the muscles of the heart.What are common high blood pressure side effects?ĭifferent classes of blood pressure medications have different side effects. SLIDESHOW How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise Tips See Slideshow These include amiloride hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ ( Moduretic), spironolactone and HCTZ ( Aldactazide), and triamterene and HCTZ ( Dyazide, Maxzide). They include amiloride ( Midamor), spironolactone ( Aldactone), and triamterene ( Dyrenium).įinally, there are combination diuretics, which include a potassium-sparing agent and a traditional diuretic. These blood pressure medications are known as "potassium-sparing" diuretics. Some diuretics were subsequently developed to address the issue of potassium loss. So often, patients on traditional diuretics will be advised to take their medication with a potassium-rich food, such as orange juice or a banana, or they'll be prescribed a potassium supplement. Potassium is needed for proper muscular movement and a deficiency of this mineral can result in fatigue, weakness, leg cramps, and even problems with the heart. One side effect of diuretics is a loss of potassium, which is carried out of the body in urine along with sodium. Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Microzide).Mild hypertension can sometimes be treated using diuretics alone, although they are more commonly used in combination with other high blood pressure medications. That can help lower blood pressure because it lowers blood volume. It also may be preferable in elderly patients to give two high blood pressure medications at a low dose versus one at a higher dose.ĭiuretics increase urination which reduces sodium and fluid in the body.However, beta-blockers may not be as effective for hypertension in those over 60 though they may be good choices if co-existing heart disease is present.Along with a diuretic, some calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers may also be good choices.According to one study, the diuretic chlorthalidone (Hygroton) had significant benefits in elderly patients with systolic hypertension.With age, comes an increased risk for systolic hypertension which can be aggravated by severe atherosclerosis. Thiazide diuretics (such as HCTZ) or a calcium channel blocker are recommended first choices along with the possible add-on of a second drug from either the ACE inhibitor class or the angiotensin II receptor blocker group. ![]() Plus, some medications that work to lower blood pressure in other ethnicities may have limited effect on African-Americans. Hypertension in African-Americans tends to occur earlier in life and tends to be more severe. Two classes of drugs that should never be used during pregnancy include ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers.Other possible safe options include labetalol, beta-blockers, and diuretics.Methyldopa, which works to lower blood pressure through the central nervous system, has the lowest risk of harming the mother and developing the fetus. The drug of choice for hypertensive, pregnant women is one of the oldest high blood pressure medications on the market.Similarly, in patients prone to constipation (the elderly, for example) use of certain calcium channel blockers might best be avoided - along with diuretics - as both these classes of drugs can inhibit proper bowel function.Īfrican-American patients respond to some antihypertensive medications better than others.Ĭertain groups of patients require the use of a specific class of high blood pressure medication. Selecting the "best" high blood pressure medication depends on several things, including the general health of the patient, his or her age, ethnicity, and whether or not they have any co-existing medical issues or drug sensitivities.įor example, in a hypertensive patient with asthma, it may be inadvisable to prescribe a beta-blocker, as these drugs can aggravate that respiratory condition. What is the best high blood pressure medication? ![]()
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