Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects

Medications used to treat high blood pressure are called antihypertensive medicines. On diagnosis of high blood pressure or hypertension in a patient, usually a physician prescribes medicines to lower the blood pressure. Hypertension medication depends on the age, overall health condition and the level of rise of blood pressure. There are several groups of blood pressure medications that lower blood pressure. Each group lowers the blood pressure in a different way. Usually a physician prescribes two or more types of blood pressure medicines to a patient. Given below are some of the common blood pressure medications:

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Beta blockers
• Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB)
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
• Alpha blockers

Most of these blood pressure medications, though effective, have certain side effects. Let us take a look at some blood pressure medication side effects.

Blood Pressure Medication and Side Effects
Blood pressure medication side effects can at times be serious, therefore it is useful to be aware of them and take necessary precautions to reduce their adverse effects.

Side Effects of Diuretics: Diuretics are used in the initial stages of treatment of hypertension to lower the blood pressure by reducing the sodium and water levels in the body. The reduction in the water content of the body leads to diuretics side effects, like, frequent urination, dry mouth and dehydration. Consumption of fluids can help resolve this side effect. Diuretics also lower the potassium level in the body, which is an important requirement. Thus doctors suggest that eating foods high in potassium can help the patient to increase the potassium in the body. A constant eye on potassium level is a must when a patient is under diuretics medication for blood pressure.

Side Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: ACE inhibitors reduce the blood pressure by reducing the production of chemicals that are responsible for constricting blood vessels. Women who want to be pregnant should stay away from ACE inhibitors. Research has proved that ACE inhibitors can cause serious problems both to mother and fetus. Side effects of ACE inhibitors can be serious. It has been noticed that around ten percent of patients under ACE inhibitors medication, suffered from a chronic non productive cough. Sometimes ACE inhibitors can cause allergic reactions, like, swelling of face, lips, etc. If any of these blood pressure medication side effects are experienced, one should consult a doctor soon, because in some cases ACE inhibitors have caused kidney failure due to excessive increase in potassium levels.

Side Effects of Beta Blockers: Beta blockers lower high blood pressure by blocking beta receptors. They reduce the rate at which the heart beats and thereby reduce the blood pressure. These medications are used to treat other health problems too, like, angina, arrhythmia and migraine. Insomnia and depression are some of the beta blocker side effects. Sometimes beta blockers can reduce the heart beats to an excessive extent and cause heart failure. Impotency is a rare side effect of beta blockers.

Side Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB): Calcium channel blockers prohibit the entry of calcium into the heart cells, thus lessening the force of contraction of the heart muscle and reducing blood pressure. The side effects of CCBs include nausea, dizziness, constipation, rashes, headache and swelling of ankles.

Side Effects of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): ARBs work in a similar fashion as ACE inhibitors. These medications are usually prescribed to those patients who have experienced the side effects of ACE inhibitors. ARBs should not be administered to pregnant ladies. ARB side effects are not many and include occasional dizziness.

Side Effects of Alpha Blockers: Alpha blockers are similar to beta blockers but they block different receptors. They keep the blood vessels open, making it easy for the blood to flow and thereby reduce the blood pressure. Patients on Alpha blockers may exhibit side effects in the initial period of treatment. Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, etc. are some of the chief side effects of alpha blockers.

Blood pressure medication side effects can be reduced with the help of a doctor's guidance. Many of the high blood pressure medication side effects are negligible when compared to the lower blood pressure level achieved by these medications. However, these blood pressure medication side effects should not be neglected and a doctor should be consulted as and when they are noticed. A balanced diet along with regular exercise can help hypertension patients to lead a healthy life.