What are antihypertensive drugs? An easy-to-understand explanation of effects, types, and side effects

"I'm taking some high blood pressure medicine, is there any difference?"

In order to answer your questions, we will explain the types, effects, and side effects of many antihypertensive agents in an easy-to-understand manner.

After reading this article, you will be able to understand what antihypertensive drugs you are taking.

Timing to start taking medication

When to start antihypertensive drugs

Treatment for hypertension is lifestyle modification and oral antihypertensive medication.

If you are told that you have high blood pressure, you should diet, exercise, cut down on alcohol consumption, quit smoking, and, if necessary, lose weight to achieve an appropriate weight.

And basically, oral antihypertensive drugs are started when blood pressure is not sufficiently lowered even after improving lifestyle habits.

However, depending on the cause of hypertension, oral antihypertensive drugs may be started immediately, so please follow the instructions of your doctor.

how much does blood pressure drop

How much blood pressure is lowered depends on the type, amount, and combination of drugs.

Blood pressure is easily affected by lifestyle habits, so if you continue to improve your lifestyle habits while taking antihypertensive drugs, you will be able to expect more effects from antihypertensive drugs.

How long does it take to take effect?

The time it takes for antihypertensive drugs to take effect also depends on the type, amount, and combination of drugs.

Lowering your blood pressure all at once puts a strain on your body, so in most cases, your doctor should be adjusting your medication so that it drops slowly over several months.

However, in emergency cases of hypertension, antihypertensive drugs may be adjusted to lower blood pressure more quickly.

In any case, I think that the doctor has prescribed it so that it will be effective, so please take the antihypertensive drug as prescribed.

Introducing types of antihypertensive agents, their characteristics, and side effects

Here, we introduce typical types, characteristics, and side effects of antihypertensive agents.

Side effects do not always occur. You need to be careful, but please do not discontinue taking it just because you have side effects.

calcium channel blocker

Representative drug names: amlodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, etc.

Characteristics: It is often the drug of first choice. It can also be used in people with complications and in the elderly. It is a long-acting drug and should be taken once a day.

Side effects: palpitations, headache, hot flashes, edema, constipation, etc.

ACE inhibitor

Typical drug names: Capril, Enalapril, Imidapril, etc.

Characteristics: It is often the first choice in patients with heart disease, diabetes, or renal failure. However, it cannot be used by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.

Side effects: cough, angioedema (sudden swelling of the skin, throat, tongue, etc.), decreased renal function, etc.

α (alpha) blockers

Representative drug names: Everantil, Hytracin, Doxazosin, etc.

Features: Also suitable for dysuria due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. For people with early morning high blood pressure, take this medicine before going to bed.

Side effects: first-dose phenomenon (dizziness, palpitations, fainting due to orthostatic hypotension), dizziness, headache, drowsiness, weakness, palpitations, urine leakage, etc.

β (beta) blockers

Typical drug names: atenolol, bisoprolol fumarate, etc.

Features: Suitable for young to middle-aged people, people with ischemic heart disease, and people with hypertension complicated by tachycardia.

Side effects: heart failure, bradycardia, etc.

ARBs

Representative drug names: losartan potassium, candesartan, Micardis, etc.

Characteristics: It has been used more recently because it has fewer side effects and is said to have antihypertensive effects equal to or greater than those of ACE inhibitors. Like ACE inhibitors, it is also expected to have preventive effects against arteriosclerosis, heart failure, and renal failure.

Side effects: angioedema, decreased renal function, etc.

diuretic

Representative drug names: fluitran, spironolactone, Serara, etc.

Characteristics: Although there are several types of diuretics, they are said to have relatively good antihypertensive effects in common and are inexpensive.

Side effects: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesium, etc.

Supplements that lower blood pressure are often found on the Internet, but the current situation is that there are no over-the-counter antihypertensive drugs that can be prescribed at a hospital.

There are also sites that allow you to import antihypertensive drugs by yourself, but we do not recommend purchasing from this route and using them at your own discretion.

Take your antihypertensive medications exactly as directed by your doctor.

Blood pressure needs attention even if it drops too much. As you adjust your antihypertensive medication, your blood pressure may drop too much.

Symptoms of low blood pressure include lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

These symptoms are not necessarily caused by low blood pressure, but if you have any symptoms that you are concerned about, check your blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer at home or see a doctor.

What happens if you quit

In the same way that the effects of antihypertensive drugs come out gradually, even if you stop taking antihypertensive drugs, your blood pressure may not rise immediately.

However, blood pressure increases gradually over time. It takes time to lower blood pressure that has risen again with medicine.

Antihypertensive drugs are prescribed by your doctor as necessary. Even if you think you don't need it, please don't quit without permission.