This document summarizes several classes of antihypertensive medications used to treat high blood pressure. It describes ACE inhibitors which work by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme and decreasing production of angiotensin II, a chemical that causes blood vessel constriction. Beta blockers prevent stimulation of receptors responsible for increased heart rate and cardiac output. Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II to prevent constriction of blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers relax blood vessels and reduce workload on the heart. Thiazide diuretics increase sodium excretion to reduce fluid retention. Alpha blockers relax muscles in blood vessel walls to dilate vessels and increase blood flow.

1. Antihypertensives

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.