Know the Different Classes of Drugs used in High Blood Pressure

Rising blood pressure is a chronic issue.

High blood pressure > 120- 129 mm Hg / 80 mm Hg.

Hypertension > Above 130 mm Hg/89 mm Hg.

High blood pressure elevates cardiovascular risk.

Complications caused by high blood pressure- 

When blood flows with high pressure through the arteries.

It increases strain on the blood vessels and the vital organs.

• Heart complications –

High BP damages and narrows the arteries.

It increases strain on the heart.

• Brain issues- 

High pressure may burst the blood vessels.

It stops oxygen from reaching the brain.

• Kidney dysfunction – 

High blood pressure strains the blood vessels.

It damages the nephron.

• Vision loss – The small blood vessels in the eye get strained, and it damages the retina.

• Erectile dysfunction: The blood flow to the penis is obstructed. The tiny blood vessels are damaged. It inhibits erection.

The commonly used medications for high blood pressure – 

Diuretics – 

These are also called water pills.

These manage blood pressure by removing extra salt and fluid from the body.

These increase the urination frequency.

These widen the blood vessels, reducing the pressure.

These eliminate extra body fluid, reducing the blood volume. This helps reduce pressure.

Examples –

• Thiazides – Chlorthiazide
• Loop diuretics – Furosemide
• Potassium- sparing diuretics- Spironolactone

ACE inhibitors – 

These inhibit the conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2.

The angiotensin 2 constrict the blood vessels.

Blocking this widens the blood vessels.

Angiotensin inhibition also decreases aldosterone release.

Aldosterone increases blood pressure.

Ace inhibitors also reduce fluid volume.

Captopril, Enalapril

Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) – 

These inhibit the binding of angiotensin 2 to the receptors.

They effectively block angiotensin 2 effects.

This helps reduce the fluid volume.

It inhibits blood vessel constriction.

Losartan, Valsartan

Calcium channel blocker – 

These block the entry of calcium into the heart muscles /blood vessels.

The calcium ions constrict the blood vessels.

Blocking calcium relaxes the blood vessels and the cardiac muscles.

It also reduces the strain and speed of the heart contractions.

Amlodipine, Verapamil

Other drugs used to control BP- 

• Beta–blockers – 

These work by blocking adrenaline and noradrenaline.

These hormones reduce the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction.

It relaxes blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure.

• Alpha –blockers- 

These block the hormone norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine cause vasoconstriction.

Blocking norepinephrine widens the blood vessels.

It lowers the blood pressure.

• Vasodilators- 

These widen the blood vessels.

They relax the muscles and ease the pathway of blood.

The Leading Antihypertensive drug manufacturer– 

Aprazer Healthcare is the leading drug manufacturer.

We are a trusted contract drug manufacturer from India.

We are the exporter of a large range of pharmaceuticals.

Licensed with WHO-GMP/EU/GMP, we manufacture global quality products.

Our product portfolio comprises –

• Anti-hypertensive combinations
• Nephrology & Diuretics