The 6 common class of medication used to control high blood pressure include:

ACE Inhibitors: ACE or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors are drugs that are responsible for working on a hormone known as angiotensin II. This hormone causes the narrowing of the blood vessels causing an increase in the blood pressure. Ace inhibitors reduce the amount of angiotensin II in the body thereby widening the blood vessels and reducing the pressure on the arterial walls. Ace inhibitors also remove the extra sodium and water from the body through urine so they are often used in lieu of diuretics and in combination with other antihypertensive medication.

Diuretics: Diuetics are also known as water pills because they help in the removal of sodium and fluids from the body through urination. By removing the excess water they make the blood vessels of the heart hold less fluids and reduce the pressure on them. Diuretics are used in the initial stages of high blood pressure and they are always used in combination with other medication. Because Diuretics increase the frequency of urination and purge liquids from the body, people on this medication have a strong urge to urinate often and also feel very thirsty.

Calcium Chanel Blockers: Also known as CCB’s or calcium antagonist as the name suggests they lower the blood pressure by preventing the entry of calcium into the arteries which in turn stops the narrowing of these blood vessels. Thee drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with some of the other high blood pressure drugs

Beta Blockers: Beta Blockers impact the functioning of the heart and they reduce the blood pressure by regulating the heart rate. Beta receptors are a naturally occurring substance in our body and the stimulation if this substance often leads to an increased heart rate and consequently an increased blood pressure. Beta blockers are used to block the beta receptors. These drugs are also administered in combination with other antihypertensive medication. These drugs not only lower high blood pressure but also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heat related disorders.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: These drugs are also called ARB’s; their effect is the same as the one produced through the administration of ACE inhibitors. Like the name suggests the block angiotensin receptor and help to increase the internal diameter of the blood vessels reducing the pressure on their walls. These drugs are generally used by people who cannot use ACE inhibitors due to their adverse effects. Like the other drugs ARB inhibitors can also be used alone or in combination with one of the other drugs.

Alpha Blockers: The effect of Alpha blockers is the same as those of Beta blockers; however, the receptor they block are different. These drugs affect the muscles so they are responsible for preventing blood vessel constriction and keeping the inner diameter of the blood vessels widened. The blood that flows through the wider arteries exerts less pressure on the arterial walls; reducing the blood pressure.

All of the above drugs are potent in controlling high blood pressure but each of them uses a different principle to lower blood pressure. These drugs are either used alone or in combination with some of the other drugs in the above list. It is seldom possible to lower the blood pressure with the use of a singular drug. In about one third of the cases three or more drugs are used in combination to get the blood pressure down. Depending on your age, condition and race the doctor will prescribe an appropriate combination for you.

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Diuretics: Diuretics are used in the early stages of high blood pressure; they reduce the blood pressure by purging out the sodium and excess water from the body, this reduction in the fluid levels of the body causes diuretic side effects including frequent urge to urinate, dehydration and dry mouth. Normally, consuming enough fluids to keep the body hydrated is enough to reduce these side effects Diuretics not only lower the level of sodium but they also reduce the level of potassium in the body. Since Potassium is a vital nutrient it is essential to replenish it and doctors will unjustly recommend that patients on diuretic should consume food items rich in potassium to make up for its loss. Patients who are under diuretics should keep a constant tab on their potassium levels.

Beat Blockers: Since Beta blockers reduce the heart rate to reduce the blood pressure these drugs may cause cardiac ailments like angina, arrhythmias, insomnia, migraine and depression. When taken excessive doses beta blockers may reduce the heart rate dangerously leading to a cardiac failure. Impotency is also a side effect of beta blockers however it is very rare.

ACE Inhibitors: Pregnant women should not use CE inhibitors because these drugs can cause serious side effects in the mother and the fetus. Side effects of this medication can be serious and bothersome with almost 10% of the people who were administered ACE inhibitors complaining of insistent, cough. In some people this drug may lead to allergic reactions like swelling of the face etc. It is important that you consult your doctor at once if any side effects are experienced after using ACE inhibitors because in some cases the side effects can be fatal and have caused renal failure due to a dangerous increase in the potassium levels.

Calcium Blockers: By reducing the assimilation of calcium in the heat cells, these drugs reduce the force of contraction on the heart muscles. Side effects of this drug are mild as compared to those of ACE inhibitors and they include: nausea, constipation, swollen ankles, spells of dizziness, headaches and rashes.

Alpha Blockers: Alpha blockers function in the same way in which beta blockers do, the only difference is that different receptors are blocked by these drugs. The side effects of these drugs include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache and other mild issues. These are usually experienced in the initial stages of treatment.

Angiotensin II Blockers:  the ARB work like the ACE inhibitors so these drugs are usually prescribed to patients who have experienced severe side effects of ACE inhibitors. The side effects of ARB’ can be very mild and people using the drugs may simply feel slight dizziness intermittently however this drug like the ACE inhibitors should not be administered to pregnant women.

Using two or more of the antihypertensive drugs in combination will increase the risk of experiencing side effects. So it is essential that you only take blood pressure medication under the guidance of your doctor. There is no single combination of high blood pressure drugs that works generically, depending on your age, the extent of your problem, individual needs and your race the doctor will determine the optimal combination of drugs for you. Although these mediations can be used to reduce high blood pressure it is highly recommended that you also look at natural recourses to regulate hypertension like eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing weight through exercise.

Blood pressure medication has to be taken for life because these drugs do not help in curing the disorder they merely help to control it. However, once the medicines are used to control blood pressure for three or more years and if the readings of an individual are normal while under these drugs for an extended period of time, the medication may be stopped. This particularly holds true for people who have made significant changes to their lifestyle which in turn has had a positive impact on their blood pressure. Even after you stop the medication, regular blood pressure checks are a must. In some patients the blood pressure may remain normal however in others it may start to rise eventually in this case medication can be started again.

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People who have a blood pressure of 120/80 or higher should be extremely careful while gulping in OTC medication. Always look for warnings on the labels, some of these medications will distinctly mention that they are not recommended for people who suffer from high blood pressure or these who are on blood pressure medication. If you suffer from high blood pressure the best recourse would be to seek your doctor’s advice on any drugs that you intend to take.

Painkillers: NSAIDs or common painkiller can prove detrimental to your health of you suffer from blood pressure so talk to your doctor about pain relief for high blood pressure victims and also explore alternative remedies to ease pain and discomfort.

Vitamins and other Magic Products: Supplements, vitamins and drinks simply cannot stand for prescribed blood pressure medication. Consult your doctor before trying out any products that claim to lower your blood pressure. Some of these products may interfere with the antihypertensive drugs and the results that you get will be a far cry from the one claimed in the advertisements.

Cough and Cold Medication: Decongestants like ephedrine, naphazoline, levmetamfetamine, oxymetazoline, synephrine etc can interfere with antihypertensive drugs and may even raise the blood pressure in some cases. So always consult with your doctor before taking OTC flu and cold medication

Sodium Content in OTC Medication: It is also important to check for sodium in OTC medications since it can raise your blood pressure. The inactive and/ or active ingredients list will have words like sodium or soda in them to indicate the presence of this salt. Ideally people who suffer from high blood pressure should not let their daily sodium consumption to exceed 1,500 mg but one dose of OTC medication can contain a lot more than this daily allowance

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A. Yes all medication used for blood pressure control has side effects; however while some drugs may only produce minor side effects, the intake of others may lead to more serious adverse reactions.

Q. So if you start on alterative therapies do I need to continue with my blood pressure medication?

A.Most alternative therapies use herbs and dietary changes to control blood pressure; however, the effects of such measures may not be instantaneous so it is safe to continue on your medication till your blood pressure does not reach the normal level. Also you must consult with your doctor before discontinuing your medication.

Q. Can I not take any OTC medication if I suffer from high blood pressure, what about diet pills and products?

A.You will have to consult with your doctor before taking any medication including diet products if you suffer from high blood pressure.

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