ANTIHYPERTENSIVES

Antihypertensives are the agents used to treat hypertension i.e. high blood pressure . These agents reduce the blood pressure near to normal and reduce the risk of heart diseases .
Antihypertensives are classified in following way :
1- Diuretics : These agents are like Loop diuretics ( Bumetanide , Ethacrynic acid , Furosemide , Torsemide ), Thiazide Diuretics ( Chlorthalidone , Epitizide , Hydrochlorthiazide , Bendroflumethiazide ), Thiazide like drugs ( Indapamide , Chlorthalidone , Metolazone ), Potassium sparing diuretics ( Amiloride , Triamterene , Spiranolactone ).
2- Antihypertensives of Adrenergic Receptor antagonists : These agents are considered as main group i antihypertensives . These agents reduces Blood pressure acting centrally and peripherally . These are again 3 types : Beta blockers ( Atenolol , Metaprolol , Propranolol ) Alfa blockers ( Clonidine , Methyldopa , Doxazosin , Phemtolamin , Indoramin , Prazosin , Terazosin Guanethidine , Reserpine , ) Mixed Alfa and Beta blockers ( Labetalol , Bucindolol ) .
3- Another important Antihypertensives are Calcium channel blockers . These are Dihydropyridines ( Amlodipine , Nifedipine ) and Miscillaneous ( Diltiazem , Verapamil ). The advantage with these drugs are these agents can work alone or in combination with other class of drugs .
4- Antihypertensives of ACE Inhibitors : Ramipril , Lisinopril , Enalapril , Benazepril , Captopril etc .
5- Angiotensin II Receptor antagonists : Losartan , Eprosartan , Irbesartan , Olmesartan , Valsartan ).
6- Aldosterone antagonists : Sptranolactone , Eplerenone .
7- Vasodilators : Hydralazine , Sodium Nitroprusside .
All Antihypertensives have to be selected And used with the advice of Physician not for self medication which may cause sudden cardiac arrest or paralysis .