Treating For Multiple Conditions
The type of blood pressure medication your doctor prescribes may depend on what other health problems you have. For example, if you have coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker. If you have had a myocardial infarction due to CAD, a beta-blocker can lower your blood pressure and decrease your overall risk of death.
If you have diabetes, your doctor may choose an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Thats because these drugs can help protect the kidneys from diabetic damage by lowering the blood pressure in your kidneys.
What Does Hydrochlorothiazide Oral Tablet Cost
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
Financial assistance to help you pay for hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets may be available. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets.
These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. To learn more, visit their websites.
What Are The Side Effects Of Blood Pressure Medicines
Most of the time, blood pressure medicines do not cause side effects. Some people have mild side effects, including dizziness, headaches, swelling in the legs or feet, or stomach problems.2
Some over-the-counter medicines, such as nasal decongestants, can also raise blood pressure and interact with blood pressure medicines.3 Tell your doctor about any medicines or supplements you are already taking.
All medicines have risks. Talk with your doctor about the best blood pressure medicines for you, their benefits, risks, and side effects, and any other health problems you may have.
Don’t Miss: What Does Blood Pressure Reading Mean
Blood Pressure Treatment Options
There is no cure for hypertension. However, it can be managed through heart-healthy lifestyle changes and high blood pressure medication. For some people, lifestyle changes alone are enough. Lifestyle changes for high blood pressure include:
- Quitting smoking
Alpha-blockers: Alpha-blockers relax the muscle tone of the vascular walls, lowering blood pressure. Side effects include palpitations, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure when standing up. Some of these medications include:
Central agonists: Decrease the ability of blood vessels to contract, which leads to lower blood pressure. Side effects can include a drop in blood pressure when standing or walking, drowsiness, sluggishness, dry mouth, impotence, and constipation. Some common central agonists used for hypertension include:
A Trend Toward Lower Targets
Finding safe, effective ways to manage blood pressure has been a matter of growing interest. “Nowadays, there’s a trend to control blood pressure more aggressively than in the past,” says Dr. C. Michael Gibson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an interventional cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Although the prior standard was a blood pressure target of less than 140/90 for most people, a goal of 120/80 appears to be even more effective for preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease.
Also Check: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Palpitations
Hypertension: What You Need To Know As You Age
You cant see high blood pressure, also called hypertension. And most ofthe time, you cant feel it. But if youre among the 78 million Americanswith hypertension or are one of the 70 million with prehypertension, its important to understandits effects on your healthand to take action today to bring your numbersdown to healthier levels.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the inner walls of yourarteries. It has normal fluctuations throughout the dayfalling when yourerelaxed or asleep, rising naturally in the morning, and increasingtemporarily when youre under stress, excited or exercising. But when yourresting blood pressure level rises too high, it can scar, stiffen and/orweaken blood vessels. This effect can double your risk for aheart attack quadruple your odds for astroke raise your risk forheart failure, vision loss, kidney problems,dementiaand circulation problems such asperipheral artery disease weaken your bones and contribute toerectile dysfunctionin men.
What Blood Pressure Medicine Has The Lowest Side Effects
by Contributing Writer / in Health
Common in nearly every medication, side effects are no stranger to blood pressure medications as every blood pressure medication has some kind of side effects.
Which blood pressure medication that has the lowest side effects depends on how you react to specific medications and what side effects you find most bothersome.
Most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications have an array of similar side effects. Depending on your health status, you may be able to take a diuretic, which does not have many of the side effects associated with beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers and calcium channel blockers.
You May Like: What To Drink To Lower Blood Pressure Immediately
Side Effects Of Blood Pressure Medications
High blood pressure is a common health problem that can be treated with drugs and medications. However, there are various side effects associated with different groups of anti-hypertensive medicines. The following article provides information about the various side effects associated with each class of these medicines.
High blood pressure is a common health problem that can be treated with drugs and medications. However, there are various side effects associated with different groups of anti-hypertensive medicines. The following article provides information about the various side effects associated with each class of these medicines.
Medications used to treat high blood pressure are called anti-hypertensive medicines. Hypertension medication depends on the age, overall health, and the level of increase in blood pressure. There are several groups of medications that lower blood pressure and each of them work in a different way. Usually a physician prescribes two or more types of medicines to a patient at a time. Given below are some of the common types of mecicines:
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Most of these medications, though effective, have certain side effects. Let us take a look at some of the common side effects of these drugs.
Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers
ARBs work in the same manner as the ACE inhibitors. These medications are usually prescribed to patients who have experienced the side effects of ACE inhibitors. Although the side effects of this medicine are few, it includes occasional dizziness. Also, these medicines should not be administered to pregnant ladies.
Also Check: Is Spinach Good For High Blood Pressure
Does This Medication Have Any Interactions
“Before starting a blood pressure medication, or adding on new blood pressure medications, it is always important to check with your pharmacist for drug class duplications or interactions, including medications you can purchase over the counter,” advises Holt. This includes remedies like vitamins or other types of supplements. Certain foods may present a problem, as well.
Bethanne Brown, a professor of pharmacy practice at the J.L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati, tells AARP that you should decrease the amount of potassium-rich foods in your diet if you’re taking an ACE inhibitor. “You can get high potassium levels in your body, which can lead to potentially dangerous heart arrhythmias,” says Brown.
Types Of Blood Pressure Medicines
There are four main types of medicine to lower blood pressure.
- . ACE inhibitors help to control hormones that play a role in blood pressure control. They help the blood vessels to relax and widen, lowering blood pressure. Most have names that end in pril, for example, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and Ramipril.
- . These work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors, controlling the hormones that affect blood pressure, so you probably wont take ACE inhibitors and ARBs at the same time. Theyre usually used if ACE inhibitors are causing side effects. Most have names that end in artan, for example, candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan and olmesartan.
- . These allow the artery walls to relax, making them wider. This allows more blood to pass through, lowering blood pressure. Most have names that end in pine , for example, amlodipine, felodipine and nifedipine.
- . These are sometimes known as water pills because they remove excess fluid from the body, including from the blood. This means there is less pressure on the blood vessel walls. Most have names that end in ide, for example, indapamide and bendroflumethiazide.
Sometimes these medications wont be suitable, for example if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have certain other health problems, or youre taking other medications which could react with them.
Alternatively, you might need to take another type of medication as well to lower your blood pressure enough.
The other medications available include:
Read Also: What Does Alcohol Do To Blood Pressure
Medication For High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, means that your heart is working hard to pump blood through narrowed or blocked arteries and veins. NYU Langone physicians frequently prescribe medication, in addition to recommending lifestyle changes, to help people lower blood pressure.
For the best results, most people require a combination of two or three medications. To determine which medications are right for you, your doctor takes into account your age and overall heart health, as well as your kidney function.
Many medications for high blood pressure can cause a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. Your doctor works with you to find a medication plan that relieves your symptoms with minimal side effects.
Tips On How To Take Your Blood Pressure Medicine
- Take your medicine regularly. Get into a routine and take your pills at the same time every day, to help you remember to take them. Try using a pillbox marked with the days of the week and fill it at the beginning of each week to make it easier to remember.
- Don’t let your supply run out. Get your prescription before you run out and make sure you have enough for weekends, public holidays and when you are away on holiday.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses to make up for the dose you missed.
- Don’t stop taking your blood pressure medicine suddenly. If you feel unwell or have any side effects, tell your healthcare provider.
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting any new medicines or supplements. Blood pressure medicines can interact with other medicines and herbal supplements.
- Be careful taking anti-inflammatories while you are on blood pressure medicines. This includes ibuprofen and diclofenac .
| Avoid taking these medicines together |
| AVOID anti-inflammatories if you are taking ACE inhibitors AND diuretics, OR ARBs AND diuretics. Taking them together can damage your kidneys. Read more about anti-inflammatories and blood pressure medicines. |
You May Like: Does Melatonin Raise Blood Pressure
Wrapping Up The Blood Pressure Medications Causing A Cough
Dont judge any one particular medication because of its possible side effects. Every medicine has them and not everybody is affected by them.
No drug is more superior than the other. The value of each drug and how it affects blood pressure is judged on an individual basis 11.
Most often, physicians can tailor a medication and treatment for each individual patient. The physician will often prescribe a medication that controls blood pressure with no side effects or coughing.
Disclaimer: The medications, medicine information, side effects listed in this article are for information and reference only. Blood Pressure Explained does not endorse or recommend any specific medication. Its important to consult with your physician and pharmacist about any medication you may be taking as they are the best sources of information. Never stop taking medication or change your dose without consulting with the prescribing physician.
Hydrochlorothiazide Oral Tablet Basics
Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a diuretic. Its also sometimes called a water pill.
This medication comes as tablets that youll swallow.
Note: Hydrochlorothiazide also comes in an oral capsule form. But only oral tablets are described in this article. If youd like to learn about hydrochlorothiazides other forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Recommended Reading: What Is Too High For Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
What Is The Best Antihypertensive Medication
The best antihypertensive medication is the one that works best for you and your specific situation. Everyone has different health problems. What works well for one person may not work well for another. You may need two or three different antihypertensive agents to bring your blood pressure into the normal range.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
High blood pressure is a very common medical problem. Half the adults in America have high blood pressure. Blood pressure medications are very helpful in controlling high blood pressure. That helps prevent heart failure, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the antihypertensive medication thats best for you. Be sure to keep taking it every day and go to all of your regular checkups.
When Would A Doctor Prescribe An Arb Or An Ace Inhibitor
MacLaughlin: For more serious cases of high blood pressure, your doctor might prescribe 2 medications to work together, usually an ARB or an ACE inhibitor with a diuretic or calcium channel blocker. ACE inhibitors and ARBs both prevent the body from creating or using angiotensin II, a naturally occurring chemical that narrows blood vessels. Like a hose, if you narrow the blood vessel, that will increase the pressure.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs also decrease a hormone called aldosterone, which causes your body to retain sodium and water.
Also Check: Does Beer Cause High Blood Pressure
Questions About Taking Hydrochlorothiazide Oral Tablet
Heres a list of some questions related to taking hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets.
- What if I miss a dose of hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets? If you miss a dose of hydrochlorothiazide, try and take it as soon as you remember. But if its nearly time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose. You shouldnt double up and take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose. Doing so can increase your risk for side effects from the drug.
- Will I need to use hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets long term? Usually, you will take hydrochlorothiazide long term if you and your doctor agree that its working well for your condition.
- Can hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets be chewed, crushed, or split? It may be OK to crush or split hydrochlorothiazide tablets. But be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about chewing, crushing, or splitting these tablets.
- Should I take hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets with food? Hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be taken with or without food.
- How long do hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets take to work? Hydrochlorothiazide tablets begin working about 2 hours after you take your dose.
High Blood Pressure In Older People
The target blood pressure reading for the over-80s is below 150/90 mmHg when it’s measured in the clinic or surgery, and below 145/85 mmHg for home readings.
While there are definite benefits from taking medicines to reduce blood pressure if you’re under the age of 80, it’s less clear it’s useful if you’re over 80.
It’s now thought that if you reach 80 while you’re taking medicine for high blood pressure, it’s fine to continue treatment provided it’s still helping you and is not causing side effects.
If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure and you’re aged over 80, your doctor will also consider your other health risk factors when deciding whether to give you treatment for the high blood pressure.
Page last reviewed: 23 October 2019 Next review due: 23 October 2022
Don’t Miss: Does High Blood Pressure Make You Hot
High Blood Pressure Medications
Treating high blood pressure will help prevent problems such as heart disease, stroke, loss of eyesight, chronic kidney disease, and other blood vessel diseases.
You may need to take medicines to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes are not enough to bring your blood pressure to the target level.
WHEN ARE MEDICINES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE USED
Most of the time, your health care provider will try lifestyle changes first and check your BP two or more times.
If your blood pressure is 120/80 to 129/80 mm Hg, you have elevated blood pressure.
- Your provider will recommend lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down to a normal range.
- Medicines are rarely used at this stage.
If your blood pressure is equal to or higher than 130/80 but lower than 140/90 mm Hg, you have Stage 1 high blood pressure. When thinking about the best treatment, you and your provider must consider:
- If you have no other diseases or risk factors, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes and repeat the measurements after a few months.
- If your blood pressure remains equal to or higher than 130/80 but lower than 140/90 mm Hg, your provider may recommend medicines to treat high blood pressure.
- If you have other diseases or risk factors, your provider may be more likely to recommend medicines at the same time as lifestyle changes.
MEDICINES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Most of the time, only a single drug will be used at first. Two drugs may be started if you have stage 2 high blood pressure.
Medications For High Blood Pressure
Most of the time, just a single drug will be used in the beginning. Two drugs might be started if your
- Systolic BP is above 160
- Diastolic BP is above 100
Numerous types of medication are used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will choose which kind of medicine is right for you. You might have to take more than one type.
Each type of blood pressure medication noted below can be found in different brand name and generic names.
One or more of these high blood pressure medicines are frequently used to treat high blood pressure:
- Diuretics are likewise called water tablets. They help your kidneys remove some salt from your body. As an outcome, your blood vessels do not need to hold as much fluid and your blood pressure goes down.
- Beta-blockers make the heart beat at a slower rate and with less force.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors unwind your blood vessels, which reduces your high blood pressure.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers work in about the very same method as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
- Calcium channel blockers relax capillary by stopping calcium from entering cells.
High blood pressure medications that are not used as typically include:
Also Check: Supplements That Raise Blood Pressure