Hypertension Medications and Their Side Effects

Hypertension is a common disease among middle-aged and elderly people, which poses significant risks and currently has no radical cure. It can only be controlled through medication. There are many medications for hypertension, and due to the complexity of the condition, targeted medications are required based on the patient's condition. Patients can have a general understanding of hypertension medications. So, what are ACEI medications? What are the contraindications? Let's take a look below.

Types of ACEI Medications

1. Diuretic Antihypertensive Drugs

• Thiazides: such as hydrochlorothiazide
• Potassium-retaining diuretics: amiloride, triamterene
• Aldosterone antagonists: spironolactone
• Loop diuretics: furosemide

2. Sympathetic Inhibitors

• Central antihypertensive drugs: such as clonidine, rilmenidine
• Neurogenic blockers: such as trimethaphan
• Norepinephrine nerve endings blockers: such as reserpine, guanethidine
• Adrenergic receptor blockers: such as propranolol

3. Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: such as perindopril (long-acting), captopril (short-acting)
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers: such as losartan, candesartan
• Renin inhibitors: such as aliskiren

4. Calcium Antagonists

• Dihydropyridine: nifedipine (short-acting), levamlodipine (long-acting)
• Non-dihydropyridine: diltiazem, verapamil

5. Vasodilators such as hydralazine and sodium nitroprusside.

Side Effects of Antihypertensive Medications

1. Nifedipine Sustained-release Tablets (Nifudipine): Occasionally, jaundice may occur. Occasionally, chest pain, headache, flushing, blurred vision, palpitations, hypotension, and lower extremity edema may occur. Occasionally, allergic symptoms such as rash and itching may occur. Occasionally, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, constipation, and other symptoms may occur. Gingival hypertrophy may occur. Occasionally, hyperglycemia may occur. Target population: Used for the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease angina pectoris, especially variant angina pectoris and angina pectoris caused by coronary vasospasm. It is also suitable for various types of hypertension, especially for stubborn and severe hypertension. It also has a good curative effect on stubborn congestive heart failure and is suitable for long-term use.

2. Nifedipine Controlled-release Tablets (Adalat): The side effects of nifedipine controlled-release tablets are generally mild. Common side effects in initial users include facial flushing, palpitations, and sinus tachycardia. Occasionally, tongue numbness, dry mouth, sweating, headache, anorexia, and excessive dosage may cause bradycardia and hypotension. Target population: Nifedipine controlled-release tablets are suitable for hypertension, coronary heart disease, and chronic stable angina pectoris (effort angina).

3. Valsartan Capsules (Diovan): Common side effects of valsartan capsules include headache, dizziness, upper respiratory infection, cough, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, these side effects are uncommon and not severe with normal dosages. Target population: Valsartan capsules can be used for various types of mild to moderate hypertension, especially for patients who are intolerant to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

4. Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets (Betaloc): Common side effects include fatigue, headache, dizziness, cold extremities, bradycardia, palpitations, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Less common side effects include chest pain, weight gain, temporary deterioration of heart failure, sleep disorders, sensory abnormalities, shortness of breath, bronchospasm in patients with bronchial asthma or asthmatic symptoms. Target population: Used to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction