10 Common Blood Pressure Medication Classes

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Name When they’re used Side effects Diuretics These are often used as first-line treatment, particularly the thiazide type. depends on the type, but may lead to low or high potassium or other electrolyte imbalances Alpha-blockers These may be used as an additional treatment option or in combination with other drugs. headaches, nausea, dizziness, tremors, and more Alpha-2 receptor agonists These are primarily prescribed for other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but may be used in unique circumstances. For example, methyldopa may be prescribed during pregnancy, as it’s safer than other drugs. drowsiness or dizziness Beta-blockers These may be used when other medications like diuretics don’t work. slow heart rate, cold extremities, insomnia, weight gain, and others Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors These may be used to treat heart failure or after a heart attack. dry cough, rash, loss of taste, and rarely kidney damage Angiotensin II receptor blockers These may be used to treat heart failure or after a heart attack. dizziness, headache, fatigue, and others Calcium channel blockers These may be used as an additional treatment option or in combination with other drugs. depends on the type, but may lead to ankle swelling, flushing, constipation, slow heart rate, or heart palpitations Vasodilators These are often used when the systolic blood pressure is greater than 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and/or the diastolic blood pressure is greater than 120 mm Hg or to treat preeclampsia. headache, eye swelling, joint pain, heart palpitations, weight gain Aldosterone receptor antagonists These are used mainly in cases of heart failure or a concern that heart failure may occur. high potassium and impaired kidney function. Direct renin inhibitors Only one drug, aliskiren, is approved to treat high blood pressure, but it may not be the first choice. diarrhea, cough, rash, headaches, dizziness, and various metabolic imbalances. Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors These are used only in cases when other medications don’t work. diarrhea, heartburn, dizziness, weakness