Types of Blood Pressure Medications
Many high blood pressure medications are available. Most options fall within these eight categories.
Diuretics
You may also hear diuretics called “water pills”. They increase the elimination of sodium and water by the kidneys. This decreases blood vessel fluid volume, which reduces pressure against artery walls, thereby lowering blood pressure.
The three classes of diuretic drugs include thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing.
Examples of diuretics include:
- Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Bumetanide
- Amiloride
- Eplerenone (Inspra)
Beta-blockers
This drug category may also be called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Beta-blockers inhibit the effects of the hormone epinephrine (aka adrenaline), resulting in a slower, less forceful heartbeat. Beta-blockers can also promote vasodilation (i.e. widening of the blood vessels). These two actions results in reduced blood pressure.
Examples of beta-blockers include:
- Acebutol (Sectral)
- Atenolol (Tenormin)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
