Antihypertensives

ACE Inhibitors

• Lisinopril• Captopril• Enalapril• Ramipril• Perindopril

• Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical produced by the body that primarily circulates in the blood. It causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure within the vessels causing increases in HTN. Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I in the blood by the enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). (Angiotensin I in the blood is itself formed from angiotensinogen, a protein produced by the liver and released into the blood..) angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are medications that slow (inhibit) the activity of the enzyme ACE, which decreases the production of angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels enlarge or dilate, and blood pressure is reduced. 

• http://www.medicinenet.com/ace_inhibitors/article.htm

Beta Blockers

• Atenolol• Bisoprolol• propranolol

• Beta blockers prevent the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased cardiac action. Beta blockers are used to control heart rhythm, treat angina, and reduce high blood pressure.

• Ex.) only certain receptors are affected due to nonselct antagonist that block beta 1 and beta 2 causing “ bronchconstriction and inhibited glycogenolysis.

Angiotensin II receptor antagonist• Angiotensin II is a very potent

chemical formed in the blood that causes muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. This narrowing increases the pressure within the vessels and can cause high blood pressure (hypertension)

• Candestran• Irbesartan• lorsartan

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that block the action ofangiotensin II by preventing angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors on the muscles surrounding blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels enlarge (dilate) and blood pressure is reduced.

Calcium Channel blockers

• Veraparnil• Diltiazem• Amlodipine• Felodipine• nifedipine

• Calcium channel blockers are prescription medications that relax blood vessels and increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while also reducing the heart's workload

Thiazide-like diuretics

• Chlortalidone• indapamide

• decrease reabsorption of sodium by the kidney and thereby increase loss of water and sodium. They also increase urinary secretion of chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate ions. Ex: Loop diuretics.

Alpha blockers

• Doxazosin• Prazosin• terazosin

• Alpha blockers relax certain muscles and help small blood vessels remain open.

• NE tightens the muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins. The tightening of the vessels keeps them opened and relaxed.Resulting in increased blood flow and lowers blood pressure.