What are the appropriate antihypertensive medications for elderly patients?
Disease description:
My grandmother has always had hypertension, but she doesn't pay much attention to it herself. I would like to buy some medication for her. May I ask, what are the appropriate antihypertensive medications suitable for elderly individuals?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
The following are some commonly used antihypertensive drug classes that are relatively safe for elderly patients:
1. Diuretics: such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets and indapamide sustained-release tablets. These medications lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume and dilating peripheral blood vessels. They may cause electrolyte disturbances, such as hypokalemia and hyponatremia, which require timely adjustment.
2. Calcium channel blockers: such as nifedipine sustained-release tablets and felodipine sustained-release tablets. These drugs dilate blood vessels and reduce peripheral vascular resistance to lower blood pressure. They have a long duration of action and provide stable blood pressure control.
3. ACE inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers): such as benazepril and irbesartan. These medications block the effects of angiotensin, causing blood vessels to relax and lowering blood pressure. They also offer protective effects on the kidneys, but monitoring of serum potassium levels and renal function is necessary.
4. Alpha-blockers: such as terazosin hydrochloride tablets. These are primarily used in elderly patients with both hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. They may cause orthostatic hypotension and should be used with caution.
It is recommended that medications be selected under the guidance of a physician.
