Other Types of Hypertension Medication

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Alpha Blockers
• Central Acting Agents
• Direct Vasodilators

 Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

This type of high blood pressure medication helps to relax the arteries, by blocking the action of angiotensin, which narrows the blood vessels. It is almost as effective as the ACE inhibitors - which actually block the formation of angiotensin - and is more suitable for people suffering from kidney failure.

Some ARBs are:

• Losartan
• Irbesartan
• Valsartan
• Telmisartan
• Candesartan

ARBs side effects

ARB’s have few side effects, but they may occasionally cause:

• Dizziness or faintness when getting up (this occurs mainly when starting treatment, and should disappear after a short while)
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Sleeping problems
• Nasal congestion
• Confusion

Contact your doctor if these symptoms are persistent or severe. In case of confusion - which is a rare side-effect - contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnant women should not use Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers.

ARBs should be taken with caution by people with kidney problems.

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Calcium Channel Blockers

CCB’s, also known as calcium antagonists, help relax vascular muscles. The muscles cells in the artery walls have tiny passages called calcium channels. By blocking these, and stopping calcium from entering the cells, their contraction is lessened, and the arteries remain relaxed. CCB’s may also slow down your heart rate, which contributes to lowering blood pressure.

However, studies have shown that diuretics and beta-blockers are usually more effective than CCB’s in the treatment of hypertension.

There are two kinds of calcium channel blockers:

• Short acting - These may lower blood pressure in half an hour, but their effect lasts for a few hours only.
   
• Long-acting - These are absorbed gradually, and have a long-term effect.

Some calcium channel blockers are:

• Amlodipine
• Felodipine
• Isradipine
• Nicardipine
• Verapamil

CCB side effects:

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Rapid heartbeat.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking CCBs - reaction with this fruit makes the drug toxic!

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Alpha Blockers

Alpha blockers prevent muscle contractions in smaller arteries, by reducing the effect of the hormone norepinephrine. Recent studies have shown that this type of medication involves certain risks, and that diuretics are more beneficial for most patients.

Some Alpha blockers are:

• Doxazosin
• Parazosin
• Terazosin

Alpha blockers side effects

Alpha blockers do not usually have side effects. However, in older people, or during the beginning of treatment, they can cause dizziness when getting up. Other side effects are headaches, general weakness and nausea.

It is advised to combine Alpha Blockers with some other type of medication.

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Central Acting Agents

This type of medication prevents the brain from sending signals to increase heart rate and narrow the blood vessels. CAA’s are rarely prescribed, because of their strong side effects. They are used in cases of low blood sugar, panic attacks or alcohol or drug withdrawal. One of them - Methyldopa - is given to pregnant women.

Some central acting agents are:

• Clonidine
• Guanabenz
• Reserpine

Central Acting Agents side effects

Central acting agents have strong side effects, such as -

• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness and weakness
• Impaired thinking
• Impotence
• Weight gain
• Depression.

Even if the side effects are troubling, you cannot just stop taking your medication, since this may cause a dangerous, sudden rise in your blood pressure. Consult your doctor before any change.

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Direct Vasodilators

Tight muscles in the arteries’ walls can make them narrower, thus raising blood pressure. This type of medication acts directly to relax these muscles, and is used in patients who do not respond well to other types of medication.

Some direct vasodilators are:

• Fenoldopam
• Hydralazine
• Minoxidil

Direct vasodilators side effects

• Rapid heartbeat
• Water retention
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal problems.

Because the first two symptoms - rapid heartbeat and water retention - are counter-effective for the treatment of hypertension, direct vasodilators are usually combined with beta-blockers and diuretics.

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