Heart Facts | High blood pressure tablets – side effects

High blood pressure tablets – side effects

Posted on March 18, 2009
Filed Under Blood pressure, Cholesterol reduce | Leave a Comment

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and the natural ways to achieve ideal blood pressure of 120/80 are not effective then you need to seek advice from a doctor who will prescribe high blood pressure tablets. There are many high blood pressure tablets including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists.

ACE inhibitors

  • Benazepril (Lotensin)
  • Captopril (Capoten)

    • There are many different ACE inhibitors which are effective in achieving ideal blood pressure via expanding the body’s blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.  However as with all high blood pressure tablets ACE inhibitors have a range of side effects including itchness, dry cough, chances of hyperkalemia are increased in those with kidney disease.

    Diuretics

  • Amiloride (Midamor)
  • Bumetanide (Bumex)

    • These high blood pressure tablets work by increasing fluid output through the kidneys, and can lead to an excessive loss of potassium resulting in hypokalemia. Other side effects of these high blood pressure tablets are fatigue.

    Beta blockers

  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Betaxolol (Kerlone

    • These high blood pressure tablets achieve ideal blood pressure via a mechanism which lowers heart rate, but can backfire resulting in a low heart rate as well as sleep disturbances and depression.

    Calcium channel blockers

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel)
  • Bepridil (Vascor)

    • These high blood pressure tablets operate via a mechanism which disturbs the entry of calcium into the human heart, helping to achieve ideal blood pressure.  However they can bring on some unwanted side effects including GI upsets with nausea and constipation.  Headaches and drowsiness may also be more frequent when taking these particular high blood pressure tablets.

    Angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists

  • Candesartan (Atacand)
  • Eprosartan (Teveten)

    • These high blood pressure tablets prevent angiotensin 11 from acting on the heart and associated blood vessels thus preventing a rise in blood pressure. However they have negative effects on the kidneys decreasing urine output and leading to increased risk of high blood potassium levels as well as dizziness.

    Before commencing any high blood pressure tablets be sure to discuss each available tablet with your doctor to see what is best for you.

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