Blood pressure medications which are known as antihypertensives can be prescribed to bring down high blood pressure. There are a number of different classes of blood pressure medications which include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and more.
 
Diuretics work by assisting the body get rid of excess sodium and water and they can be used with additional prescription therapies. Some common brand names are Diuril, Lozol, and Lasix. Sometimes these medications may lower the body’s supply of the mineral potassium, and symptoms such as leg cramps, being tired, and weakness may occur. A way to prevent potassium loss is by eating foods containing potassium. Occasionally people suffer from gout after long use of diuretics and although it is not very common it can be managed with other treatment. Sometimes the blood sugar level may increase in people that are diabetic who take diuretics. A change in diet, medication, or insulin corrects the blood sugar level in most cases.
 
Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate, the hearts output of blood, and the heart workload, which lowers blood pressure. Common brand names of beta-blockers are Lopressor and Levatol. Some possible side effects of beta-blockers are cold hands and feet, depression or tiredness, slow heartbeat, insomnia, and more.
 
ACE-inhibitors stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angiotensin is a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow throughout the body and particularly in the kidney. ACE-inhibitors help the body create less angiotensin, and that helps the blood vessels to relax and open up which then lowers blood pressure. Some common brand names of ACE-inhibitors are Lotensin, Vasotec, and Accupril. Some possible side effects of ACE-inhibitors are a skin rash, dry cough, loss of taste, and more.
 
Calcium channel blockers prevents calcium from going into the smooth muscle cells of the arteries and heart. Calcium channel blockers relax and open up narrowed blood vessels and reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. Some common brand names of calcium channel blockers are Vasocor and Norvasc. Some possible side effects of calcium channel blockers are swollen ankles, dizziness, headache, constipation, palpitations, and more.
 
You should always consult with a doctor before making changes that will affect your blood pressure and getting prescriptions. Making lifestyle changes can help with high blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, reducing the amount of salt in your diet, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight are some lifestyle changes to help with high blood pressure.
 
Additional Resources
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications