Download Hypertension Medications

Hypertension
Medications
By: Elizabeth Rangel
University of the Incarnate Word
Brief Description of Disease
What Is High Blood Pressure?
-
High blood pressure, or hypertension, comes from blood pushing too
hard against your blood vessels. A healthy blood pressure is 120/80
mm Hg.

High blood pressure affects 1 in 4 American adults.

Hypertension is dangerous because it causes the heart to work extra hard.
This strain contributes to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is
forced to work extra hard for an extended period of time, it tends to
enlarge. A slightly enlarged heart can function well, but a significantly
enlarged heart cannot. High blood pressure also causes damage to the
arteries, causing arterial disease.
Medications
There are many kinds of
medications for high blood
pressure but here are three
we choose:
Brand
Generic

Cardura
Doxazosin

Catapres
Clonidine

Hytrin
terazosin
Medication Actions
Cardura (Doxazosin):

Doxazosin is used alone or
in combination with other
drugs to treat hypertension
(high blood pressure).

It works by relaxing blood
vessels so blood can flow
more easily. Lowering high
blood pressure helps
prevent strokes, heart
attacks, and kidney
problems.
Medication Classification

Antihypertensive
Side Effects
dizziness
 lightheadedness
 nausea
 drowsiness
 trouble sleeping
 weight gain
 joint/muscle pain
 decreased sexual
ability/interest may occur

Route and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth
with or without food, usually
once daily or as directed by
your doctor.

TAKE 1 mg every day

To avoid injury related to
dizziness or fainting, take your
first dose of doxazosin at
bedtime. Your dose may be
gradually increased.

Dosage is based on your
medical condition and
response to therapy.
Auxiliary labels

This drug may make you dizzy or
drowsy. Use caution while
driving, using machinery, or
doing any activity that requires
alertness. Limit alcoholic
beverages.

Before having surgery (including
cataract eye surgery), tell your
doctor or dentist that you are
taking this medication.

The elderly may be at greater risk
for dizziness and low blood
pressure while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this
medication should be used only
when clearly needed.
Special information about cardura

STORAGE: Store at room
temperature below 86 degrees
F (30 degrees C) away from
light and moisture.

Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from
children and pets.
Medication actions
Catapres ( Clonidine)

This medication is used to
treat high blood pressure.

It works by stimulating certain
brain receptors (alpha
adrenergic type) which results
in the relaxing of blood vessels
in other parts of your body,
causing them to widen.
Lowering high blood pressure
helps prevent strokes, heart
attacks, and kidney problems.
Medication Classification

Antihypertensive
Side Effects


Dizziness
lightheadedness

Drowsiness

dry mouth

constipation may occur as
your body adjusts to
the medication
Route and Dosage

Take this medication by
mouth, usually twice daily (in
the morning and at bedtime)
or as directed by your doctor.

Take 75 mg every day by
mouth with or without food

The dosage is based on your
medical condition and
response to therapy.
Auxiliary labels


This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy;
use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using
machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this drug in
the elderly because they may be more
sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.

Caution is advised when using this drug in
children. If they cannot take doses of this
medication due to vomiting from
stomach/abdominal illnesses, they may be
at increased risk for developing rebound
hypertension

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
Special information about catapres

Lifestyle changes such as
stress reduction programs,
exercise, and dietary changes
may increase the effectiveness
of this medicine.

This medication is also used in
men to treat the symptoms of a
prostate gland condition called
BPH (benign prostate
hyperplasia, also known as
enlarged prostate).
Medication actions

Hytrin ( Terazosin)

Hytrin is prescribed to reduce
high blood pressure.

It may be used alone or in
combination with other blood
pressure lowering drugs.
Medication Classification

Antihypertensive
Side Effects

fatigue

nausea

drowsiness

blurred vision

headache

stuffy nose

lightheadedness

dizziness
Route and Dosage

Take this medication by
mouth, usually once daily at
bedtime or as directed by your
doctor.

Take 1mg by mouth daily ,
may increase dose slowly to
desired response; not to
exceed 20 mg a day.

Dosage is based on your
medical condition, use of other
medications, and response to
therapy.
Auxiliary labels

This drug may make you
dizzy or drowsy.

You should avoid driving.

Limit alcoholic beverages.

To reduce the risk of
dizziness and fainting,
caution is advised when
standing for long periods.
Avoid getting overheated
during exercise or hot
weather.

This medication should be
used only when clearly
needed during pregnancy.
Special information about hytrin

Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed
periodically to monitor
your progress or check for
side effects. Consult your
doctor for more details.