High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects nearly one-third of all Americans. In this condition, too much force is exerted on the arteries as blood is pumped through, according to Rx List, damaging the blood vessels and affecting other vital organs of the body, especially the kidneys.
Many antihypertensive agents, also known as high blood pressure medications, are available by prescription to manage blood pressure. There are several types and classes of high blood pressure drugs available for the management of hypertension.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe a high blood pressure drug or a combination of drugs that may fit your specific needs based on your overall health condition, and any other existing issues, such as heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.
In addition to high blood pressure medications, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, limiting sodium in your diet, getting more exercise, and managing stress.
There are a variety of classes of generic blood pressure medications and they belong to different types of therapeutic agents. This article will provide a list of generic high blood pressure medications and their mechanism of action.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely prescribed high blood pressure medications that work by blocking the activity of the enzyme caked ACE, which is important for controlling blood pressure. Angiotensin is a chemical that contracts the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, narrowing the arteries and increasing blood pressure. ACE inhibitors temporarily block this chemical. Some generic names available for ACE inhibitors include:
- Enalapril Generic
- Lisinopril Generic (Generic Zestril)
- Benazepril Generic
- Ramipril Generic
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are also commonly recommended high blood pressure medications. They block the action of angiotensin II in order to dilate the blood vessels, increasing the blood flow throughout the body. ARBs have effects similar to ACE inhibitors, but ACE inhibitors act by preventing the formation of angiotensin II rather than by blocking it, according to Medicine Net. Some examples of generic ARBs include:
- Losartan (Cozaar Generic)
- Irbesartan (Avapro Generic)
- Valsartan (Diovan Generic)
- Olmesartan (Generic Benicar)
- Telmisartan (Generic Micardis)
- Azilsartan (Generic Edarbi)
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers temporarily block norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) in order to dilate the blood vessels and reduce the load on the heart to pump blood. Some of the common generic names available for beta-blockers include:
- Atenolol (Generic Tenormin)
- Bisoprolol fumarate (Generic Zebeta)
- Carvedilol (Generic Coreg)
- Metoprolol (Generic Lopressor)
- Propranolol
Alpha-Blockers
Alpha-blockers decrease or low high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. These medications are also used to treat benign prostate enlargement in men. Common medications that come under alpha-blockers include:
- Doxazosin (Generic Cardura)
- Prazosin (Generic Minipress)
- Terazosin (Generic Hytrin)
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
CCBs inhibit the movement of calcium into muscle cells, according to Medicine Net. This helps in reducing reduces the force of the heart’s muscular pumping action and thereby reduces blood pressure. Common CCBs include:
- Amlodipine (Generic Norvasc)
- Diltiazem hydrochloride (generic Cardizem)
- Nicardipine (Generic Cardene)
- Nifedipine (Generic Procardia)
- Nimodipine (Generic Nimotop)
- Verapamil (Generic Covera)
Diuretics
Diuretics also called water pills, increase urination in order to reduce sodium and fluids in the body. Mild high blood pressure can sometimes be treated using diuretics alone. Common examples of generic high blood pressure medications that belong to diuretics include:
- Chlorthalidone (Generic Hygroton)
- Furosemide (Generic Lasix)
- Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ
- Torsemide (Generic Demadex)
Please note that the abovementioned high blood pressure medications are a few commonly advised drugs. We have listed these medications for your information and reference. This information does not signify a recommendation from us. You must seek your doctor for suitable treatment. Remember, some generic high blood pressure medications are not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding as they may harm the developing fetus or newborns. Also, remember, there are no
