Antihypertensive drugs are medications used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) to
reduce the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease.
These drugs lower blood pressure through various mechanisms targeting the cardiovascular,
renal, and nervous systems.
Major Classes of Antihypertensive Drugs:
1. Diuretics
Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide, Spironolactone
Mechanism of Action:
o Increase sodium and water excretion, reducing blood volume and, consequently,
blood pressure.
o Types:
Thiazide diuretics: First-line treatment for hypertension.
Loop diuretics: Used for patients with fluid retention or kidney
dysfunction.
Potassium-sparing diuretics: Often used in combination to avoid
hypokalemia.
Side Effects: Electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, increased uric acid levels, hypokalemia
(except for potassium-sparing types).
2. Beta-Blockers (β-Adrenergic Blockers)
Examples: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol
Mechanism of Action:
o Block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and myocardial contractility,
and lowering cardiac output.
o Reduce renin release, which decreases angiotensin II levels.
Clinical Uses: Often used in patients with coexisting conditions like heart failure, angina,
or post-myocardial infarction.
Side Effects: Bradycardia, fatigue, bronchoconstriction (non-selective beta-blockers),
and cold extremities.
3. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
Examples: Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil
Mechanism of Action:
o Block calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, causing
vasodilation and reducing blood pressure.
o Dihydropyridines (e.g., amlodipine): Primarily affect blood vessels.
o *Non-dihydropyridines