What Are the Antihypertensive Medications?

The prevalence of hypertension remains persistently high, and the risk of developing hypertension increases significantly with advancing age. Hypertension is a chronic, common condition requiring long-term—often lifelong—treatment. So, what antihypertensive medications are available? Below is an overview.

Common Antihypertensive Medications

1. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Examples include nifedipine (Adalat), nitrendipine, amlodipine (Norvasc), and felodipine (Plendil). These agents lower blood pressure by inhibiting calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby reducing smooth muscle tone and inducing vasodilation.

2. Diuretics

Diuretics are among the longest-established antihypertensive agents in clinical use. Representative drugs include furosemide, spironolactone, and hydrochlorothiazide. For severe hypertension, combination therapy with multiple antihypertensive agents is often required. However, diuretics are generally not recommended for patients with gout, hyperlipidemia, or type 2 diabetes.

3. Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers

Alpha-blockers have minimal adverse effects on lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Commonly used agents include terazosin and doxazosin. A major drawback of this class is the potential to cause orthostatic hypotension.

4. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Examples include captopril (Capoten), perindopril (Coversyl), and benazepril (Lotensin). These drugs not only induce vasodilation and lower blood pressure but also help prevent and reverse left ventricular hypertrophy and arterial wall thickening caused by hypertension. In recent years, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)—such as losartan and valsartan—have been widely adopted in clinical practice as a novel class of antihypertensive agents.

The above provides an overview of commonly used antihypertensive medications. We hope this information is helpful to you.