What are the antihypertensive medications that can be taken sublingually?
Generally, sublingual antihypertensive medications include nifedipine tablets, captopril tablets, nitroglycerin tablets, metoprolol tartrate tablets, and labetalol hydrochloride tablets. It is recommended to use these medications under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Nifedipine Tablets
Nifedipine belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It works by preventing calcium ions from entering vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby relaxing the smooth muscles and reducing peripheral vascular resistance, which effectively lowers blood pressure. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as angina pectoris and hypertension. Patients experiencing the above symptoms may take this medication under medical supervision to help alleviate their condition.
2. Captopril Tablets
Captopril tablets belong to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. They reduce peripheral vascular resistance and minimize water and sodium retention, thus providing therapeutic effects for hypertension and heart failure. In emergency situations involving high blood pressure, the drug may be administered sublingually as directed by a physician.
3. Nitroglycerin Tablets
Nitroglycerin tablets primarily work by dilating veins and selectively expanding coronary and large arteries, thereby reducing venous return and lowering the heart's preload. They also moderately reduce peripheral vascular resistance, contributing to blood pressure reduction. Additionally, they can relieve myocardial ischemia caused by coronary artery spasm. When elevated blood pressure is accompanied by angina symptoms, sublingual administration of nitroglycerin can alleviate chest pain and also help regulate blood pressure.
4. Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets
Metoprolol tartrate tablets are selective β1-receptor blockers that can reduce ventricular rate and lower blood pressure. They are mainly used to treat hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. For patients experiencing hypertensive emergencies, this medication may be taken under medical supervision to achieve rapid blood pressure control.
5. Labetalol Hydrochloride Tablets
Labetalol hydrochloride tablets belong to the class of adrenergic receptor blockers. They effectively dilate blood vessels, thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance and subsequently lowering blood pressure. This medication can be used to treat various types of hypertension, so patients may take it under a doctor’s guidance to relieve symptoms.
In daily life, individuals with hypertension should monitor their blood pressure regularly, maintain healthy eating habits, reduce salt intake, and engage in appropriate physical exercise, all of which contribute to better management of the condition.