Side Effects of Antihypertensive Drug

Antihypertensive Drugs-Side Effects

Diuretics

Diuretics flush extra water and sodium (salt) from body. Diuretics may cause these side effects:

• Extra urination. Extra water out means more time in the bathroom.
• Intense and sudden foot pain, which is a symptom of gout.
• Weakness, fatigue or leg cramps. Diuretics may decrease the body's levels of the mineral potassium, that can lead to this side effect.
• People who have diabetes may find that diuretic drug increase their blood sugar level.
• Impotence may occur.
• Erection problems may occur in some men.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers make heart beat less forcefully and more slowly. This medication may cause side effects such as:

• Asthma symptom
• Tiredness or depression
• Cold hands and feet
• Slow heartbeat
• Insomnia and sleep problem
• Erection problem

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors block formation of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, as a result vessels relax. This drug may cause these side effects:

• Chronic dry and hacking cough that doesn't go away.
• Skin rash and a loss of taste.
• In rare instances, kidney damage
• These drugs have been shown to be dangerous to both mother and baby during pregnancy. This can cause low blood pressure, excess potassium, severe kidney failure and even death of the newborn.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARB’s shield blood vessels from a hormone that cause blood vessels to narrow and constrict. This allows blood vessels to stay open. Some possible side effects of Angiotensin II receptor blocker are:

• May cause occasional dizziness.
• ARBs should not be used during pregnancy. All drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system directly can cause injury or even death to a developing fetus.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Calcium Channel Blocker keep calcium from entering heart muscle and blood vessel cells. So, blood vessels can relax. CCB may cause these side effects:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Swollen ankles
• Headache
• Irregular or very rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

Alpha-Blocker

Alpha-blockers reduce nerve impulses to blood vessel and allow blood to flow more easily. This medication may cause:

• Dizziness, light headedness, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning (from reduced blood pressure)
• Fast heart rate

Alpha-2 Receptor Agonist

It decreases activity in the adrenaline-producing part of the nervous system. This may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Alpha-Beta-Blocker

This high blood pressure medications reduce nerve impulses and also slow the heartbeat. Severe high blood pressure patient’ often receive them by intravenous (IV) injection. Alpha-beta blockers may cause a drop in blood pressure when patient’s stand up suddenly or first get up in the morning. This may cause dizziness, headedness, or weakness.

Central Agonists

This high blood pressure medications control nerve impulses, relaxing blood vessel.

Central agonist may causes:

• Anemia
• Dizziness, nausea, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning (from a drop in blood pressure)
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Erection problems
• Dry mouth

Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors

This type of medication blocks neurotransmitters in the brain and the message doesn’t reach smooth muscles. This drug can cause:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning
• Stuffy nose
• Erection problems
• Heartburn

Vasodilators

Vasodilators relax muscles in vessel wall, open blood vessels and allow blood to flow better. This medication may causes:

• Headaches
• Excessive hair growth
• Fluid retention
• Irregular or very rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Swelling around the eyes
• Joint aches and pains

Renin Inhibitor

This newer class of high blood pressure medication works by decreasing chemical that tighten blood vessel. This medication may be used alone or in combination with other drug. Some side effects may include:

• Diarrhea or stomach pain
• Cough
• Rash
• Heartburn