Antihypertensive prescriptions are available online

Antihypertensive medications are classified into sub-classes, and each subclass is described below:

• Diuretics help us control blood pressure by assisting the body to get rid of additional sodium salts. They are classified as thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, and combination diuretics.
  Examples of Thiazide diuretics include Chlorthalidone, Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Metolazone.
  Examples of Loop diuretics may include Furosemide, Torsemide, and Bumetanide.
  Examples of combination diuretics include Spironolactone, Amiloride hydrochloride, and Triamtrene.
  
• Vasodilators cause the dilation of blood vessels, which improves the blood flow through the vessels. Drugs in this class include Hydralazine and Minoxidil.
• Beta Blockers help lower blood pressure by reducing the heart rate, heart’s workload, and blood output. Acebutolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, Carvedilol Phosphate, Labetalol, and Atenolol are some examples of Beta-blockers.
  

• Alpha-blockers like Doxazosin, Terazosin, and Prazosin reduce the resistance of the arteries, helping to relax the blood vessels and leading to reduced blood pressure.
  

• Alpha-2 receptor agonists help lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Methyl-dopa, Clonidine, and Guanfacine are some examples of alpha-2 receptor agonists.
  

• Calcium channel blockers, including Diltiazem, Verapamil, Amlodipine, and Nifedipine, help prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and arteries, leading to reduced blood pressure.
  

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers, including Irbesartan, Losartan, Olmesartan, and Valsartan, block the effects of angiotensin that narrow the arteries, lowering blood pressure.
  
• Combined alpha and beta-blockers include Carvedilol and Labetalol hydrochloride. They are used in IV for patients who are in a hypertensive crisis. It can be prescribed to patients at risk of heart failure.

Uses of antihypertensives

High blood pressure leads to several cardiovascular diseases. Antihypertensives are a class of medications that are used to treat high blood pressure and manage several cardiovascular conditions. Some common sub-classes of antihypertensives include β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Side effects of anti-hypertensives

• Side effects of Diuretic anti-hypertensive include decreased levels of potassium in the body and increased risk of developing gout.
• Vasodilators like Hydralazine can cause palpitations or aches and swelling around the eye. Minoxidil, another vasodilator, can cause fluid retention or excessive hair growth.
• Some common side effects of calcium channel blockers include constipation, headache, dizziness, and swollen ankles.
• Alpha-blockers have common side effects that may include weakness, trembling, dizziness, low blood pressure, and fast heart rate. In contrast, alpha-2 blockers can cause dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and headache.
• Combined alpha-beta blockers can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up.