Anti-Hypertensive Medications – Medications
Medications
Anti-Hypertensive Medications
Aldosterone receptor antagonists – Work by blocking aldosterone, which causes reduction of the amount of fluids retained in the body.
Alpha-blockers – Cause blood vessels to dilate by blocking catecholamines from binding to alpha-receptors thereby lowering blood pressure.
Alpha-2-receptor agonists – The mechanism of action of methyldopa is not fully understood, but it acts like a centrally acting sympathomimetic.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors – Prevent the body from making angiotensin II, which lower blood pressure by helping constricted blood vessels expand to let more blood through.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) – Prevent angiotensin from binding to receptors on the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure.
Beta-blockers – Lower blood pressure by acting directly on the heart. These high blood pressure medications reduce heart rate and force of pumping, as well as reduce blood volume.
Calcium channel blockers – Lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart rate.
Central agonists – Work in the central nervous system rather than directly on the cardiovascular system.
Direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) – Block renin, which lowers the blood pressure through the widening of blood vessels.
Diuretics – Increase urination which reduces sodium and fluid in the body. This reduces the volume of blood that needs to pass through the blood vessels, which lowers the blood pressure.
Endothelin receptor antagonists – Block the action of endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells.
Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors – Work in the brain to block signals to the blood vessels to constrict.
Vasodilators – Relax artery wall muscles tot causes blood pressure to drop.
Related Pages
- Medical Disorders
- Oral health care considerations