Medicines To Help You

High 

Blood Pressure

Use this guide to help you talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about your 

blood pressure medicines. The guide lists all of the FDA-approved products now 

available to treat this condition. You will also find some general information to 

help you use your medicines wisely.
High blood pressure is a serious illness. 

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because many people have it 

but do not know it. Some people do not feel sick at first. Over time, people who 

do not get treated for high blood pressure can get very sick or even die.

High blood pressure can cause:

• Kidney Failure 

• Stroke

• Blindness 

• Heart Attacks 

There is good news. 

There are life-saving medicines people can take every day to help control their 

high blood pressure. People who eat healthy foods, exercise, and take their 

medicines every day can control their blood pressure. 

Take your blood pressure medicines.

It is important to take your blood pressure medicines every day. Take your 

medicines even when your blood pressure comes down... even when you do not 

feel bad. Do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor says that it is OK. 

Most people who take high blood pressure medicines do not get any side effects. 

Like all medicines, high blood pressure medicines can sometimes cause side 

effects. Some people have common problems like headaches, dizziness, or an 

upset stomach. These problems are small compared to what could happen if you 

do not take your medicine. 

Understanding your blood pressure - What do the numbers mean?

When you have your blood pressure taken, you are told 2 numbers like 120/80.

Both numbers are important.

The first number is your pressure when your heart beats (systolic pressure). 

The second number is your pressure when your heart relaxes (diastolic pressure).

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High Blood Pressure Medicines

Use this guide to help you talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about your 

blood pressure medicines. Ask your health care provider about the benefits and 

risks of taking your medicine. This guide only talks about some of the risks.

Tell your doctor about any problems you are having. Your doctor will help you 

find the medicine that is best for you.

Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to get pregnant. 

Ask your doctor to tell you about the risks of taking blood pressure medicines 

when you are pregnant.

The different kinds of blood pressure medicines are listed on the next few pages. 

The drugs are listed in groups. The brand names and generic names are given for 

the drugs in each group.

Find your drug. Then read some basic information about your kind of drug.

Types of High Blood Pressure Medicines

• ACE Inhibitors

• Beta Blockers

• Calcium Channel Blockers

• Peripherally Acting Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers

• Angiotension II Antagonists

• Vasodilators

• Centrally-Acting Alpha Adrenergics

• Diuretics (sometimes called “water pills”)

• Renin Inhibitors

• Combination Medicines

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Angiotension-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Brand Name Other Name

Aceon Perindopril

Accupril Quinapril

Altace Ramipril

Capoten Captopril

Lotensin Benazepril

Mavik Trandolapril

Monopril Fosinopril

Prinivil Lisinopril

Univasc Moexipril

Vasotec Enalapril

Enalaprilat

Zestril Lisinopril

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ACE Inhibitors: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• W omen who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctor before they 

start using these drugs.

• P eople who have kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or heart problems should 

talk to their doctor about the risks of using ACE drugs.

• P eople taking diuretics (water pills) should talk to their doctor about the risks 

of using ACE drugs.

Common Side Effects

• Cough

• Dizziness

• Feeling Tired

• Headache

• Problems Sleeping

• Fast Heart Beat

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Chest Pain

• Problems Breathing or Swallowing

• Swelling in the Face, Eyes, Lips, Tongue, or Legs

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Beta Blockers

Brand Name Other Name

Bystolic Nebivolol

Timolol

Coreg Carvedilol

Corgard Nadolol

Inderal Propranolol

Inderal LA Propranolol

Betaxolol

Levatol Penbutolol

Lopressor Metoprolol

Sectral Acebutolol

Tenormin Atenolol

Toprol XL Metoprolol

Trandate Labetalol

Pindolol

Zebeta Bisoprolol

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Beta-Blockers: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• Do not use these drugs if you have slow heart rate, heart block, or shock.

• W omen who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctor before they 

start using these drugs.

• T he elderly and people who have kidney or liver problems, asthma, diabetes, or 

overactive thyroid should talk to their doctor about the specific risks of using 

any of these Beta-Blockers.

Common Side Effects

• Feeling Tired

• Upset Stomach

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Constipation/Diarrhea

• Feeling Lightheaded

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Chest Pain

• Problems Breathing

• Slow or Irregular Heartbeat

• Swelling in the Hands, Feet, or Legs

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Calcium Channel Blockers

Brand Name Other Name

Norvasc Amlodipine

Cleviprex Clevidipine

Cardizem Diltiazem

Dilacor XR Diltiazem

Tiazac Diltiazem

 Plendil Felodipine

DynaCirc CR Isradipine

Cardene Nicardipine

Adalat CC Nifedipine

Procardia Nifedipine

Nimodipine

Sular Nisoldipine

Calan Verapamil

Covera HS Verapamil

Isoptin SR Verapamil

Verelan Verapamil

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Warnings

• Do n ot use Calcium Channel Blockers if you have a heart condition or if you are 

taking nitrates, quinidine, or fentanyl.

• P eople who have liver or kidney problems should talk to their doctor about the 

specific risks of using any Calcium Channel Blocker.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctor before they 

start using these drugs. 

Common Side Effects

• Feeling Drowsy

• Headache

• Upset Stomach

• Ankle Swelling

• Feeling Flushed (Warm)

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Chest Pain

• Serious Rashes

• Swelling of the Face, Eyes, Lips, Tongue, Arms, or Legs

• Fainting

• Irregular Heartbeat

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Calcium Channel Blockers: What You Should Know 
Peripherally Acting Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers 

Brand Name Other Name

Cardura Doxazosin

Dibenzyline Phenoxybenzamine

Minipress Prazosin

Hytrin Terazosin

What You Should Know 

Warnings

• The elderly and people who have liver problems should talk to their doctor 

about the risks of using these drugs.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness

• Feeling Tired

• Feeling Lightheaded

• Vision Problems

• Swelling of the Hands, Feet, Ankles, or Legs

• Decreased Sexual Ability

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Chest Pain

• Irregular Heartbeat

• Painful Erection in Men

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Vasodilators

Brand Name Other Name

Hydralazine

Minoxidil

Vasodilators: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• Do not use these drugs if you are also taking bisulfates.

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctor before they start using these drugs.

• People who have diabetes, heart disease, or uremia (build up of waste in your blood) should talk to their doctor about the risks of using any of these drugs.

• People taking diuretics (water pills), insulin, phenytoin, corticosteroids, 

estrogen, warfarin, or progesterone should talk to their doctor about the risks 

of using any of these drugs.

Common Side Effects

• Headache

• Upset Stomach

• Dizziness

• Growth in Body Hair

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Fever

• Fast Heartbeat

• Fainting

• Chest Pain

• Problems Breathing

• Sudden Weight Gain

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Angiotension II Antagonists

Brand Name Other Name

Atacand Candesartan

Avapro Irbesartan

Benicar Olmesartan

Cozaar Losartan

Diovan Valsartan

Edarbi Azilsartan

Micardis Telmisartan

Teveten Eprosartan

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Angiotension II Antagonists: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• Do not use these drugs if you are pregnant or nursing.

• People who have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood volume, or low salt in 

their blood should talk to their doctor about the risks of taking these drugs.

• People taking diuretics (water pills) should talk to their doctor about the risks 

of taking these drugs.

Common Side Effects

• Sore Throat

• Sinus Problems

• Heartburn

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Back Pain

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Problems Breathing

• Fainting

• Swelling of the Face, Throat, Lips, Eyes, Hands, Feet, Ankles, or Legs

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Centrally-Acting Alpha Adrenergics 

Brand Name Other Name

Catapres Clonidine

Tenex Guanfacine

Centrally-Acting Alpha Adrenergics: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their doctor before they 

start using these drugs.

• People with heart disease, recent heart attack, or kidney disease should talk to 

their doctor before using these drugs.

• Drinking alcohol may make side effects worse.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness

• Dry Mouth

• Upset Stomach

• Feeling Drowsy or Tired

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Fainting 

• Slow or Irregular Heartbeat

• Fever 

• Swollen Ankles or Feet

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Renin Inhibitors

Brand Name Other Name

Tekturna Aliskiren

Renin Inhibitors: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• W omen who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, should talk to their 

doctor before using this drug.

• People with kidney problems should talk to their doctor before using this drug.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking water pills (diuretics), high blood pressure 

 medicines, heart medicines, or medicines to treat a fungus.

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Low Blood Pressure

• Swelling of the Face, Throat, Lips, Eyes or Tongue

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Combination Medicines

Combination Medicines: What You Should Know 

• These drugs are made up of 2 different kinds of blood pressure drugs. 

• L ook for the generic or other names of these drugs on one of the other lists in 

this guide. 

Warnings and Side Effects

• T he warnings and side effects for these drugs will be the same as those listed 

earlier for both generic drugs.

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Brand Name Others Names

Diovan HCT Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

Exforge Amlodipine and Valsartan

Exforge HCT Amlodipine, Valsartan, and

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hyzaar Hydrochlorothiazide and Losartan

Lotrel Benazepril and Amlodipine

Tarka Verapamil and Trandolapril

Tribenzor Olmesartan, Amlodipine and

Hydrochlorothiazide

Vaseretic Enalapril Maleate and 

Hydrochlorothiazide
Other Combination Medicines

Brand Name Others Names

Caduet Amlodipine and Atorvastatin

Caduet is used to treat people who have both high blood pressure and high 

cholesterol.

Warnings 

• Do not take Caduet if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

• Do not take Caduet if you are breastfeeding.

• Do not take Caduet if you have liver problems. 

Common Side Effects 

• Swelling of the Legs or Ankles (edema)

• Muscle or Joint Pain

• Headache

• Diarrhea or Constipation

• Feeling Dizzy

• Feeling Tired or Sleepy

• Gas

• Rash

• Nausea

• Stomach Pain

• Fast or Irregular Heartbeat

• Face feels Hot or Warm (flushing)

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Muscle Problems like Weakness, Tenderness, or Pain that happens without a 

 good reason (like exercise or injury)

• Brown or Dark-colored Urine

• Skin or Eyes look Yellow (jaundice)

• Feel More Tired than Usual

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Diuretics (sometimes called “water pills”)

Brand Name Other Name

Aldactazide

Aldactone Spironolactone

Demadex Torsemide

Diuril Chlorothiazide

Enduron Methyclothiazide

Microzide

Oretic Hydrochlorothiazide

Lasix Furosemide

Indapamide

Saluron Hydroflumethiazide

Thalitone Chlorthalidone

Zaroxolyn Metolazone

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Diuretics: What You Should Know

Warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. These drugs may pass into your breast 

milk. 

• Do not use these drugs if you have problems making urine. 

• P eople with kidney or liver problems, pregnant women, and the elderly should 

talk to their doctor about the risks of using diuretics.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness 

• Frequent Urination

• Headache 

• Feeling Thirsty

• Muscle Cramps 

• Upset Stomach

Warning Signs

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Severe Rash

• Problems Breathing or Swallowing

• Hyperuricemia (Gout)

For up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each drug 

Check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What drugs am I taking?

• What are the side effects?

• What other prescription drugs should I avoid while taking my medicines?

• What foods, herbs, or over-the-counter medicines should I avoid?

• When should I take each drug? How many times a day do I take each drug? 

• Can I take my medicines if I am pregnant or nursing?

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www.fda.gov/womens


http://www.fda.gov/womens

This document was developed by FDA’s Office of Women’s Health (OWH).

To Learn More:

FDA Heart Health for Women

http://fda.gov/womenshearthealth

Federal Relay Service

Phone: 1-800-877-8339

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 

Health Information Center

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/

index.htm#hbp

Phone: 301-592-8573

TTY/TDD: 240-629-3255

This guide should not be used in place of talking to your doctor or reading the label on your 

medicine bottle. The drug and risk information in this guide may change. Check 

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/ for the latest facts on each product 

listed in this guide.

5/2011 TAKE TIME TO CARE... For yourself, for those who need you.