The medicines available for high blood pressure are subscribed drugs and are not available over the counter to anyone. These medications are given to patients by their doctors after determining the definite count of their blood pressure, both diastolic and systolic. The doctor also makes full efforts to ascertain that the medicine prescribed is without any side effects. However, despite these precautions, there are certain side effects that may occur in some cases.
Here are some of the common high blood pressure medicines and their side effects:
Beta-blockers
Class of drugs such as- metoprolol, Mepressor, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol or Acebutolol may lead to cold feet and hands, insomnia, sleepiness, hopelessness, a sluggish heartbeat and even serious breathing problems such as asthma.
Beta Blockers have the potential of rendering an individual impotent. In addition, diabetic patients consuming this medicine should get themselves checked every now and then.
Diuretics
Diuretics are drugs that tend to diminish an individuals body supply of potassium. This creates symptoms like- cramps, weakness, tiredness and the like. Fortunately, there are methods of preventing this problem from occurring. For instance, the patient can start eating foods that are exceptionally rich in potassium. Moreover, there are also potassium tablets available in the market. However, they should only be taken if the doctor permits it.
Some patients even suffer from gout if they are being treated by a diuretic for high blood pressure. Apart from that, diuretic can also lead to increase in the blood sugar levels and even impotence in certain conditions.
ACE inhibitors
These are a set of pharmaceuticals that are employed mainly in the treatment of hypertension. Medications such as, enalapril, captopril, lisinopril and the like, may lead to rash on the skin, problem with the taste buds, dryness, bad cough and even kidney damage.
Calcium channel blockers
The major medical usage of calcium channel blockers is to diminish blood pressure. It is for this deed that they are utilized in patients with hypertension. Some of the calcium channel blockers such as- Diltiazem, Nifedipine, verapamil and nicardipine may lead to swelling in the ankles, excessive palpitations, stomach upset, and severe or subtle headache.
Side effects with each of these medications fluctuate a lot. For that matter, it is a doctor’s duty to fully educate his patient of the side effects of high blood pressure drugs. This will assist the patient in starting his/her treatment with complete facts of the side effects that might occur as a consequence.