Helpful information about blood pressure lowering drugs
Struggling with high blood pressure? It’s more common than you think, affecting millions worldwide. To help you manage it, your doctor may prescribe you blood pressure lowering drugs.
To help you get more information about them, the medical review team at Chemist2U is here to explain how they work, their potential side effects, and their interactions with other drugs.
In this article
How do blood pressure lowering drugs work?
Blood pressure lowering drugs, also known as antihypertensive drugs, target various physiological mechanisms through different classes, including promoting diuresis, blocking certain hormones, slowing heart rate, and dilating blood vessels, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
These high blood pressure remedies consist of:
Diuretics. They work by eliminating excess water and salt from the body through the kidneys, reducing blood pressure. While diuretics can be effective, they may also cause a loss of potassium, which is crucial for overall health.[1]
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs, such as Atacand (Candesartan), work by stopping a hormone called angiotensin II from connecting to its receptors in the body. This action blocks the hormone’s ability to narrow blood vessels, thereby helping to lower blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors. Similar to ARBs, these also lead to a widening of blood vessels. The difference is that ACE inhibitors work by preventing the body from making angiotensin II to prevent narrowing blood vessels and, in turn, lowering blood pressure.[2]
Beta-blockers. They are used to decrease heart rate and protect the heart from stress hormones, which lowers blood pressure. Some samples of this type include metoprolol tartrate and Noten (Atenolol).
Calcium channel blocker (CCB). This works by dilating the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and thus reducing blood pressure.[3]
Combination therapy. This is applied in cases where medications from different classes are combined, which is often more effective than monotherapy, especially for patients with stage 2 hypertension. One example of this variety is Twynsta (Telmisartan amlodipine), a combination of CCB and ARB.
How do you take blood pressure lowering drugs?
Your doctor will advise you on how often and how much blood pressure medication you should take.
Patient-specific factors like age, other health conditions, and potential interactions with dietary supplements can influence the choice of medication and how to take it. In terms of lifestyle, combining medication with dietary adjustments, physical activity, and regular monitoring can enhance treatment efficacy.
In some cases, doctors may gradually adjust the dosage to minimise side effects and improve tolerance.
Blood pressure medications are typically taken orally. It’s advised to swallow the medication whole, as crushing it may interfere with its effectiveness. It’s also recommended to take medications at the same time every day to set up a routine and avoid missing doses.
Who can take blood pressure lowering drugs?
Blood pressure lowering drugs are indicated for individuals with varying degrees of high blood pressure and additional cardiovascular risk factors. These medications are not universally prescribed but are recommended based on a thorough assessment of the individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks or strokes, over the following years.[4]
Certain groups may need to exercise caution or avoid specific classes of blood pressure medications. For example, non-dihydropyridine CCBs are not recommended for patients with certain heart conditions, such as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.[5]
Additionally, beta-blockers are not advised for individuals with asthma due to the potential for airway constriction. Pregnant women should avoid ARBs and ACE inhibitors due to the risks to the unborn child.[6]
Side effects of blood pressure lowering drugs
Blood pressure lowering drugs can lead to various side effects, which differ among the drug classes used to treat hypertension.
Diuretics, for example, can cause a strong urge to urinate shortly after starting treatment and potentially lead to dehydration symptoms like dry mouth and weakness if not managed by adequate fluid intake.
CCBs might cause side effects such as facial flushing, swelling in the ankles, or a rapid heart rate. Certain CCBs may not be appropriate for individuals with specific types of irregular heartbeats or constipation. On the other hand, ARBs and ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough (more common with ACE inhibitors).[7]
Remember to discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of your prescription medication. Inform them of any adverse reaction you experience, so they may adjust or change your prescription as needed.
Blood pressure lowering drugs and other medications
Blood pressure lowering drugs can interact with various other medications, altering their effectiveness and potentially increasing side effects. Particularly, CCBs like diltiazem and verapamil are known for being potent inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme, which plays a significant role in the metabolism of many drugs.
These interactions primarily concern the pharmacokinetic processes, including the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination of the medications involved. Consequently, they can lead to either increased toxicity or decreased efficacy of the drugs.[8]
Medicines you should not use with blood pressure lowering drugs
When taking blood pressure lowering drugs, it’s important to be cautious about using certain other medications.
For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensives and potentially elevate blood pressure.[9] Additionally, certain supplements and plant-based products may also interact with blood pressure medications, either enhancing or diminishing their effects.[10]
How to order home delivery of blood pressure lowering drugs through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we’re making medications easy.
Download our app or use this website to get started, then upload your eScript. While you’re at it, feel free to browse a wide selection of over-the-counter medications or general pharmacy goods typically found in your physical pharmacy.
From there, your prescription will be reviewed and filled by a partner pharmacist from your local community. Our dedicated courier will then deliver your medication straight to your door, with same-day delivery available in metro and major regional areas. Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow 5 to 7 business days.
We go beyond just delivering medications by sending you reminders so you never miss a refill. If you have general queries related to medications, you can Ask a Pharmacist right from the comfort of your home. For any order-related concerns, our customer service team is ready to assist you.
Experience the Chemist2U difference and join the thousands of Australians we’ve already helped.
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16203651/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554579/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279230/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279229/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554579/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279230/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279230/
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33666764/
[9] https://www.amjmed.com/article/0002-9343(91)90485-G/abstract
