Drug Combinations for Overcoming Hypertension

Medical Video: High Blood Pressure | Hypertension | Nucleus Health

Most people who have high blood pressure must take hypertension medication. Some of them may only need one type of drug, while you are prescribed a combination of several different types of high blood pressure drugs. This is usually done when the doctor assesses that your blood pressure is so high and can no longer be controlled simply by changing a healthy lifestyle.

So, what are the common high blood pressure medications combined?

A combination of high blood pressure prescriptions will depend on your condition

The combination of prescribing high blood pressure between one person and another can be different, depending on the needs and health conditions of each. Even so, the goal remains the same: reduce blood pressure by minimizing the risk of side effects.

Some types of hypertension drugs are usually in the form of one type of pill that contains two different types of drugs. A combination of drugs like this will make it easier for you to keep on remembering taking high blood pressure at the same time, rather than having to take two drugs that may have to be taken at different times. The combination of two ingredients in one pill also allows you to lower blood pressure while avoiding the risk of side effects from high-dose drug intake. Some drugs are even cheaper when combined into one drug.

Your doctor will prescribe combination treatments carefully. For example, if both drugs slow down the heart rate, the doctor will monitor you carefully to prevent you from experiencing a very slow heartbeat (called bradycardia).

What are the usual combinations of high blood pressure medications prescribed?

High blood pressure drugs that are usually combined are diuretic classes, beta blockers, engiotensin enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin-II antagonists, and calcium blockers.

Some examples are Lotensin HCT which is a combination of benazepril (ACE inhibitors) and Hydrocholorthiazide (diuretic), or Tenoretic combined from atenolol (beta blockers) with chlortalidone (diuretic).

Diuretics are often included in high blood drug combinations because of the risk of smaller side effects and benefits that can increase the effect of blood pressure reduction from the main drug.

Diuretic drugs are also added to blood pressure medications to overcome the problem of excess fluid in the body that is commonly experienced by hypertensive people.

Here are some diuretic drugs combined with other drugs for hypertension:

Potassium and thiazide-saving diuretics

The combination of potassium-sparing diuretic drugs and thiazide diuretics aims to reduce the risk of reversed metabolic effects. All potassium-thiazide-saving diuretic combinations can reduce blood pressure to the same level as the use of thiazide diuretics alone.

Beta blockers and diuretics

Beta blockers causes salt retention, while water and diuretics can reduce it which then results in an increasesecretion of renin by the kidneys. The purpose of the combination drug from a combination of beta blockers and diuretics is twofold, beta blockers cause an increase in plasma renin levels caused by diuretics, and diuretics reduce sodium and water retention caused by beta blockers.

ACE inhibitors and diuretics

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is one of the most tolerable hypertensive drugs in the body and has been widely used as a first-line treatment for hypertension.

Axis renin angiotensin-adosterone works to reduce the volume of water and sodium in the blood which can help stabilize blood pressure by stimulating productionrenin (an enzyme that controls blood pressure and water in the body).

Angiotensin II antagonists and diuretics

Some people cannot toleratecombination of ACE inhibitors and diuretics because of the side effects of coughing. Instead, your doctor will use a combination of angiotensin II receptor antagonists with diuretics.

The angiotensin-II receptor antagonists work by blocking certain angiotensin II subtypes, thus inhibiting the selective vasoactive angiotensin II effect.

ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers are generally effective when combined with other grade drugs.

Sometimes, beta blockers are combined with alpha-blockers which may be beneficial for men who have hypertension and prostate swelling. Alpha blockers can help both problems at the same time. ACE inhibitors can be combined with calcium channel blockers.

Hypertension drug combination specifically for asthmatics

If you have asthma, your doctor will avoid using drugs that can trigger symptoms of recurrent asthma. Believe your doctor will prescribe the most effective treatment taking into account your health.

Some combinations can include: