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Many medications are available to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
That said, some medications are less effective or come with more safety concerns than others.
Alpha-Blockers
Alpha-blockers are a class of drugs taken to lowerhigh blood pressure.
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Alpha-blockers are not recommended as the first-choice treatment for high blood pressure in clinical guidelines.
Some of the concerning side effects of alpha-blockers include:
2.
Alpha-2 agonists include:
These medications are often avoided due to safety concerns.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockersare not recommended as a first choice of treatment for high blood pressure, according to guidelines.
Beta-blockers work by decreasing the rate and force of the heart pumping blood, which helps lower blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can masksymptoms of hypoglycemia(low blood sugar) in people with diabetes who use insulin.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are taken to lower blood pressure but are not a first-choice medication.
Loop Diuretics
There are several types ofdiuretics (water pills).
Loop diuretics, specifically, are the most potent (strongest) bang out of diuretic.
Diuretics work in the kidneys.
Loop diuretics work in a part of the kidneys called the loop of Henle, hence their name.
What Is the First Blood Pressure Drug of Choice?
Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle modifications along with prescription drugs.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice.
Guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs as first-line treatments.
Healthcare providers will choose the best option based on individual considerations.
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