What are blood pressure medicines?

Blood pressure medicines are used to treat high blood pressure. You may also hear them called 'antihypertensives'.

High blood pressure increases your risk of heart and cardiovascular conditions — such as stroke and heart attack. When deciding if you need antihypertensive medicines, your doctor will check your overall risk of developing heart disease in the next 5 years or so. The higher your risk, the more likely you'll need medicines.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners recommends that you regularly review with your doctor or specialist any medicines you are taking for high blood pressure. This is to check their ongoing benefits and risks.

How are medicines used to treat high blood pressure?

Usually, you will start with a low dose of a medicine. After some time, your doctor will review your blood pressure. If the medicine isn't working well enough, or if you have troublesome side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medicines.

Some people need to take a few medicines in combination to control their blood pressure. It can take time to find a medicine or combination of medicines that suits you.

Some people will take blood pressure medicines for life. Others find that losing weight and a change to their diet lowers the need for medicines.

If your blood pressure is very high or causing symptoms such as headache, you may need urgent treatment with medicines to bring your blood pressure down.

If you have a condition such as heart disease or diabetes, you may also need treatment to bring blood pressure down to normal.

What types of blood pressure medicines might I be prescribed?

The most common blood pressure medicines are ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics.

You may need more than one medicine to bring your high blood pressure under control. Some medicines are available in a combination tablet of several medicines, which may be easier for you to take.

How do blood pressure medicines work?

Different blood pressure medicines work in different ways to lower your blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) work by widening your blood vessels. This reduces the pressure in your vessels and allows blood to flow more easily, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

The names of ACE inhibitors often end in 'pril'.

The names of ARB medicines often end in 'sartan'.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers stop calcium from entering your heart muscle and blood vessel cells. This widens the blood vessels and relaxes your heart muscle, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

The names of many calcium channel blockers end in 'pine'. Other calcium channel blockers include diltiazem and verapamil.

Diuretic medicines

Diuretics are also known as fluid tablets. They work by making you urinate (wee) more to get rid of any excess water in your body. When the excess fluid is reduced, the pressure in your blood vessels and heart is also lower.

The names of some diuretics end in 'zide'. Other diuretics include chlorthalidone and indapamide.

Other medicines for high blood pressure

Other medicines for high blood pressure include:

• beta blockers — the names of these medicines often end in 'lol'
• alpha blockers

Your doctor will work with you to prescribe the best medicine for you.

Do blood pressure medicines have any side effects or risks associated with them?

All medicines can cause side effects. But not everyone will experience side effects. Common side effects of blood pressure medicines are listed below.

ACE inhibitor side effects can include:

• headache
• dizziness
• dry cough
• high potassium levels in your blood
• fatigue
• nausea
• kidney problems

ARB medicine side effects can include:

• dizziness
• headache
• high potassium levels in your blood

Calcium channel blocker side effects can include:

• nausea
• headache
• flushing
• dizziness
• fluid retention

Diuretic side effects can include:

• dizziness
• weakness
• muscle cramps
• thirst
• needing to urinate more often

When should I see my doctor?

Many people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms. You should have your blood pressure checked:

• as part of a routine health check
• when you see your doctor for another health reason
• at least every 2 years

Are there any alternatives to blood pressure medicines?

You may be able to reduce your blood pressure in other ways. It helps to:

• exercise regularly
• reduce your salt intake
• maintain a healthy diet
• lose weight if you have overweight or obesity
• limit alcohol
• quit smoking if you smoke

Your doctor can give you more specific guidance to suit your needs.

Resources and support

The Heart Foundation provides information and support for people with high blood pressure, including:

• a blood pressure action plan
• information in languages other than English

NACCHO, the Heart Foundation and NPS MedicineWise have information on high blood pressure for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

The Stroke Foundation has more information about blood pressure and stroke.

Dietitians Australia has a fact sheet about salt, which includes ways to reduce salt intake and when to see a dietitian.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.