Hypertension Medication

Hypertension Medication

Classification of Hypertension Medication:

• Diuretics:

• Types: Thiazide, Furosemide, Spironolactone

• Indications: Used for the treatment of acute heart failure with fluid retention.

• Vasodilators:

• Types: Dihydralazine, Diazoxide, Calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors.

• Mechanism of action of Dihydralazine: Relaxes smooth muscles of small arteries.

• Indications for Dihydralazine: Hypertension combined with renal failure, not used to cut off seizures.

• Mechanism of action of Diazoxide: Relaxes smooth muscles of small arteries, inhibits Na+ reabsorption, increases blood glucose.

• Side effects of Diazoxide: Postural hypotension.

• Indications for Diazoxide: Hypertensive crises.

• Indications for Nipride: Hypertension with acute pulmonary edema or cerebral hemorrhage.

• ACE Inhibitors:

• Types: Captopril

• Mechanism of action of Captopril: Inhibits ECA enzyme (found in plasma, brain, kidneys, blood vessels), inhibits the formation of angiotensin II, inhibits bradykinin degradation, causing vasodilation and reducing water retention.

• Side effects of ACE inhibitors: Stimulates cough reflex.

• Contraindications for ACE inhibitors: COPD, asthma,…

• Calcium Channel Blockers:

• Types: Nifedipine, Amlodipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem,…

• Side effects of Calcium channel blockers: Lower extremity edema, flushing.

• Note: This is the most commonly used type of antihypertensive medication in clinical practice.

• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers:

• Types: Medications ending in -TAN (Losartan, Valsartan, Telmisartan)

• Difference from ACE inhibitors: Does not stimulate cough reflex, so it can be used in patients with COPD.

• Indications: Sustained treatment of heart failure along with beta-blockers when ACE inhibitors are ineffective.

• Centrally Acting Sympatholytics:

• Types: Clonidine, Aldomet

• Indications: Sustained treatment of hypertension in patients with stress factors.

• Alpha-blockers:

• Types: Phentolamine, Prazosine

• Side effects of Prazosine: Postural hypotension.

• Beta-blockers:

• Types: Propanolol, Timolol

• Indications: Sustained treatment of heart failure when symptoms have stabilized.