Best Prescription Drugs for Hypertension: A Patient’s Guide

04/10/2025

 

Various Types of Hypertension Medication

There are various types of high blood pressure medication available on the market. If you are looking to buy any high blood pressure medication online in Canada, you may order them from online pharmacies located in Canada. However, you must check with your doctor first to know if the medication would suit your condition. Below are the six major types of antihypertension medication, explaining how they work to control high blood pressure and their possible side effects.

1. Diuretics

Water tablets, also known as Diuretics, help in managing high blood pressure by eliminating excessive salt (sodium) and water from the body in the form of urine. This reduces the volume of blood in circulation, thereby reducing blood pressure. They aid the blood vessels in relaxing, which contributes to lowering the increased blood pressure. Some of the commonly prescribed diuretics are Lasix, Hydrodiuril, Aldactone, etc.

Some possible adverse effects of Diuretics are:

• Dehydration, muscle cramps

• Dizziness, headache

• Low sodium and potassium levels

• Increased Urination

2. Alpha Blockers

The medications in this category work by helping the blood vessels to relax, letting more blood pass through them smoothly, which helps reduce blood pressure. Some popular medications in this category include Hytrin, Minipress, and Cardura.

A few possible side effects of Alpha-blockers include:

• Headache and dizziness

• Increased fast rate

• Stuffy nose

• Tiredness

• Prolonged and painful erection (called Priapism)

3. Beta Blockers

Beta-blockers function by restricting hormones that stimulate the heart. This slows the heart rate and limits the pressure exerted on the heart, helping lower blood pressure. Atenolol, Propranolol, Metoprolol, and others are popular medicines in this category.

Some probable side effects of Beta-blockers are as follows:

• Hypotension or low blood pressure

• Bradycardia or Slow heart rate

• Nausea, fatigue

• Constipation

4. Calcium-channel blockers

The medicines in this category restrict calcium from entering the heart muscles and blood vessels. They help dilate the constricted blood vessels to ensure the smooth passage of blood and lower blood pressure. Some of the popular drugs in this group are Norvasc, Plendil, Procardia XL, and Cardizem CD.

Some potential adverse effects of Calcium-channel blockers are listed below:

• Headache, dizziness

• Constipation

• Swelling of the hands and feet

5. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

The medicines in this group work by restricting the level of Angiotensin II, which narrows the blood vessels. The reduced presence of this chemical helps the blood vessels relax, minimizing blood pressure. A few popular medications in this group are Vasotec, Prinvil, Zestril, Accupril, etc.

Some adverse effects of ACE inhibitors are mentioned below:

• Light-headedness or dizziness

• Headache and tiredness

• Increased Potassium level (Hyperkalemia)

• Dry cough and skin rashes

6. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

The mechanism of the medicines in this group is similar to that of ACE inhibitors. They inhibit the action of angiotensin II, keeping the blood vessels open and dilated and, hence, keeping blood pressure low. The popular medicines in this group are Benicar, Valsartan, and Olmesartan.

A few side effects of ARBs are:

• Angioedema (swollen face, lips, tongue and throat).

• Low blood pressure

• High potassium level in the blood

• Kidney ailments

There are other anti-hypertensive medications besides those mentioned above. You may purchase your medication from a credible online pharmacy if you want a cheap hypertension drug. However, it is crucial that you consult a healthcare provider to know the correct medication, dosage, and treatment span. It is also important that you consult your doctor if you witness any side effects while using this medication.

Some Tips to Manage Hypertension

Incorporating a healthy lifestyle into daily routine can be very effective in addressing high blood pressure. Some of them are as mentioned below:

• Take a healthy and balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.

• Restrict your salt intake.

• Try to maintain a healthy body weight.

• Include regular exercise in your daily routine.

• Limit alcohol consumption.

• Avoid the usage of tobacco products.

• Reducing and managing stress.

• Get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Conclusion

The number of people suffering from high blood pressure has been increasing continuously. The condition can be kept in check with a healthy lifestyle and medications. If left unattended, the increased blood pressure may lead to hardening of the arteries, limiting blood and oxygen supply to the heart. It may further cause heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Please get in touch with your doctor if you witness chest pain, blurred vision, and headache. You might be suggested medication or a combination of medications to bring the blood pressure to a normal level. You must inform your medic of your health condition and all the medications and supplements you might be taking to mitigate any risk of altercation with drugs. By sticking to the treatment plan as designed by your doctor and taking your medication as and when suggested, you can effectively tackle this condition and lead a normal life.

FAQs:

1. What are the most commonly prescribed medications for hypertension?

Amongst antihypertensive medications, some of the most popularly prescribed drugs are Diuretics such as Hydrodiuril and Aldactone, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like Zestril and Prinvil, Angiotensin II receptor blockers such as Valsartan and Olmesartan, Beta-blockers like Metoprolol and Atenolol, Alpha Blockers such as Minipress and Cardura, and Calcium-channel blockers like Norvasc and Plendil.

2. How do antihypertensive drugs help control blood pressure?

There are various high-blood-pressure drugs, each of which functions differently in controlling blood pressure. Some eliminate excessive salt and fluid from the body, some relax the walls of the blood vessels, allowing the smooth flow of blood, and some lower blood pressure by minimizing the heart’s workload.

3. Are there any side effects of long-term hypertension medication use?

Every medication has some side effects or other, and the case is similar to hypertension medication. Yes, prolonged use of high blood pressure does cause side effects; however, most of those are mild in nature and do not need medical attention. A few of the common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, diarrhea and dizziness, erectile dysfunction, etc. If you witness any of these side effects worsening or for a prolonged period, you must see your doctor.

4. Can I stop taking blood pressure medicine if my readings are normal?

You must not stop taking blood pressure medicine even if your readings are normal. Always check with your healthcare provider before you alter or terminate the treatment plan or dosage. Stop taking medications only when your doctor asks you to. Otherwise, it may lead to severe consequences.

5. How do I know which hypertension drug is right for me?

There are numerous medications available to address hypertension, and selecting the right one can be challenging. However, consulting a professional can ease your tension. The doctor will suggest the most suitable medicine based on your symptoms and health condition.