Here are some drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe others. This list isn't all-inclusive. (The generic name is followed by the brand name. These brand names are registered to various companies.)

High Blood Pressure Medication

**Used in severe cases or when kidney failure is present.

Research trials seem to show that the five classes of drugs discussed above, on average, are just as good as each other at lowering blood pressure. Therefore, the one or ones chosen depends on such things as: if you have other medical problems; your ethnic origin; if you take other medication; possible side-effects; your age; etc.

For example: beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can also treat angina; ACE inhibitors also treat heart failure; some drugs are not suitable if you are pregnant; some are thought to be better if you have diabetes; some tend to work better than others in people of Afro-Caribbean origin; etc.

If you do not have any other medical problems that warrants a particular drug, then current UK guidelines give the following recommendations as to usual drugs that should be used. These recommendations are based on treatments and combinations of treatments that are likely to give the best control of the blood pressure with the least risk of side effects or problems. Treatment is guided by the A/CD approach as follows:

• If you are less than 55 years old and are not black then initial treatment should be with 'A' (an ACE inhibitor, or an angiotensin receptor blocker if an ACE inhibitor causes problems or side effects).
• If you are 55 years or older, or are black then initial treatment should be with 'C' or 'D' (a calcium-channel blocker or a diuretic).
• Then, if the target blood pressure is not reached, combine 'A' with 'C' or 'D' (an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker plus a calcium-channel blocker or diuretic).
• Then, if target blood pressure is still not reached, combine 'A' with 'C' and 'D' (an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker, and a calcium-channel blocker, and a diuretic).
• If a 4th drug is needed to achieve the target blood pressure, consider adding of one of the following:
  • A beta-blocker
  • Another diuretic
  • An alpha-blocker

However, individuals can vary. Sometimes, if one drug does not work so well or causes side-effects, a switch to a different class of drug may work fine. High Blood Pressure Medication

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