High blood pressure medicines list: what to know

ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers relax blood vessels by acting on a hormone system that narrows them. Calcium-channel blockers help artery muscle relax. Diuretics help the kidneys remove extra salt and water. Beta blockers slow the heart and reduce its workload; they may suit particular heart conditions rather than everyone with high blood pressure.

A clinician may use one medicine or combine groups when one treatment does not control pressure adequately. Kidney function, potassium levels, pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, gout, pulse rate, and other medicines can affect the decision.

Take the prescribed dose on the agreed schedule and keep a record of home readings if your clinician requests it. Do not stop suddenly or double a missed dose without advice. Bring every prescription, supplement, and over-the-counter medicine to medication reviews, because some pain medicines and decongestants can raise pressure or affect treatment.

Light-headedness, ankle swelling, cough, changes in urination, or an unusually slow pulse should be reported. These effects do not prove that treatment is unsuitable, but they may require a dose change or a different group.

Seek emergency care for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. These symptoms can signal a serious problem involving the heart, brain, or circulation; do not wait for a home reading to settle them.

Ask which medicine group you are taking, what it is intended to change, when to take it, and what monitoring is needed. Ask what to do after a missed dose, which over-the-counter products to avoid, and when your prescription should be reviewed.