High Blood

Pressure

Medicines

Use this guide to help you talk to your 

healthcare provider about your blood 

pressure medicine. The guide lists FDAapproved products that are currently 

available to treat high blood pressure. You 

will also find some general information to 

help you use your medicine wisely.

FDA Office of Women’s Health 

www.fda.gov/womens

High blood pressure is a serious illness.

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” 

because you can have it and not know it. You may not 

feel sick at first. Over time, if you do not get treated 

for high blood pressure, you can get very sick or 

even die. 

High blood pressure can cause:

• Kidney failure

• Stroke

• Blindness

• Heart attacks

• Heart disease

There is good news.

There are life-saving medicines you can take every day 

to help control your high blood pressure. If you eat 

healthy foods, exercise, and take your medicine every 

day, you can help control your blood pressure.

Take your blood pressure medicine.

It is important to take your blood pressure medicine 

every day. Take your medicine even when your blood 

pressure comes down... even when you do not 

feel bad. Do not stop taking your medicine until your 

healthcare provider says that it is OK.

Many people who take high blood pressure medicine 

do not get any side effects. Like all medicines, high 

blood pressure medicines can sometimes cause 

side effects. You may have common problems like 

headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach. These can 

be bothersome to how you feel every day but often 

lessen after the first few weeks of taking the medicine. 

If you find they continue to be bothersome to you, talk 

to your healthcare provider.
1

Understanding Your Blood Pressure: What Do the Numbers Mean? 

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when this force against your artery walls is too high. The higher your 

blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems such as heart disease, heart attack, and 

stroke.

When you have your blood pressure taken, you are told two numbers; for example, 120/80. Both numbers are 

important. The first (or top) number is your pressure when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The second 

number is your pressure when your heart relaxes (diastolic pressure). If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 

80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80.” A normal blood pressure level is usually considered to be less than 

120/80.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your numbers and how you can manage your blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Some women have high blood pressure during pregnancy. This can put the mother and her baby at risk for 

problems during the pregnancy and after delivery. High blood pressure sometimes can be severe, which may 

lead to low birth weight or preterm birth. High blood pressure during pregnancy can raise your risk of high 

blood pressure in the future.

There are different types of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that you develop while you are pregnant. It starts after you are 

20 weeks pregnant. In many cases, gestational hypertension does not harm you or your baby, and it goes away 

within 12 weeks after childbirth. Some women with gestational hypertension develop preeclampsia.

Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that started before the 20th week of pregnancy or before you 

became pregnant. Some women may have had high blood pressure long before becoming pregnant but were 

unaware until they got their blood pressure checked at their prenatal visit. Sometimes chronic hypertension can 

also lead to preeclampsia. 

Preeclampsia is a sudden increase in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy and may include protein 

in the urine and very high blood pressure. It usually happens in the last trimester. In rare cases, symptoms may 

not start until after delivery. This is called postpartum preeclampsia. Preeclampsia may cause damage to some 

of your organs, such as your liver or kidneys. Preeclampsia can be serious or even life-threatening for both you 

and your baby.

The most important thing to do is talk with your healthcare provider about any blood pressure problems so you 

can get the right treatment and control your blood pressure—before you get pregnant. Getting treatment for 

high blood pressure is important before, during, and after pregnancy to decrease risks to you and your baby.

For more information about high blood pressure and pregnancy, go to 

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/pregnancy.htm.
2

High Blood Pressure Medicines

Use this guide to help you talk to your healthcare provider about your blood pressure medicine. Ask your 

healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of taking your medicine. This guide only talks about 

some of the risks.

Tell your healthcare provider about any problems you are having. Your healthcare provider will help you find the 

medicine that is best for you.

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to get pregnant. Ask your healthcare 

provider to tell you about the benefits and risks of taking blood pressure medicine when you are pregnant.

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

groups. The brand names and generic names are given for the medicines in each group.

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

Types of High Blood Pressure Medicines

• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

• Beta-Blockers

• Calcium Channel Blockers

• Peripherally Acting Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers

• Vasodilators

• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

• Centrally-Acting Alpha Adrenergics

• Renin Inhibitors

• Combination Medicines

• Diuretics (sometimes called “water pills”)
3

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors 

Generic Name Brand Name 

benazepril Lotensin 

captopril Generic Medicine Only

enalapril Epaned and Vasotec

fosinopril Generic Medicine Only

lisinopril Prinivil, Qbrelis, and Zestril

moexipril Generic Medicine Only

perindopril Generic Medicine Only

quinapril Accupril

ramipril Altace

trandolapril Generic Medicine Only
4

ACE Inhibitors: What You Should Know

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have kidney or liver problems, diabetes, heart problems, or a history of angioedema, talk to your 

healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

• If you are taking aliskiren, diabetes medicines, diuretics (water pills), gold injections, lithium, neprilysin 

inhibitors (such as sacubitril), mTOR inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medicines, 

talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

Common Side Effects

• Cough

• Dizziness

• Feeling tired

• Headache

• Problems sleeping

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Abdominal pain

• Chest pain

• Fast heartbeat

• Jaundice

• Problems breathing or swallowing

• Signs of infection (e.g., sore throat, fever)

• Swelling in the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or legs

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
5

Beta-Blockers

Generic Name Brand Name 

acebutolol Generic Medicine Only

atenolol Tenormin

betaxolol Generic Medicine Only

bisoprolol Generic Medicine Only

carvedilol Coreg

carvedilol phosphate Coreg CR

labetalol Trandate

metoprolol succinate Kapspargo Sprinkle and Toprol-XL

metoprolol tartrate Lopressor

nadolol Corgard

nebivolol Bystolic

pindolol Generic Medicine Only

propranolol Inderal, Inderal LA, and InnoPran XL

timolol Generic Medicine Only
6

Beta-Blockers: What You Should Know

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have a heart condition, kidney or liver problems, asthma, diabetes, or overactive thyroid, talk to 

your healthcare provider about the specific risks of using this medicine.

• If you are taking other medicines, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using beta-blockers.

• If you are planning to have cataract surgery, notify your eye doctor that you are using this medicine.

• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without the advice of your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects

• Feeling tired

• Upset stomach

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Feeling light-headed

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Chest pain

• Problems breathing

• Slow or irregular heartbeat

• Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or legs

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
7

Calcium Channel Blockers

Generic Name Brand Name 

amlodipine benzoate Katerzia

amlodipine besylate Norvasc

diltiazem Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Diltzac, Tiazac, and Taztia XT

felodipine Generic Medicine Only

isradipine Generic Medicine Only

levamlodipine Conjupri

nifedipine Adalat CC and Procardia XL

nisoldipine Sular

verapamil Calan SR, Verelan, and Verelan PM
8

Calcium Channel Blockers: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have a heart condition, liver problems, or kidney problems, talk to your healthcare provider about 

the specific risks of using calcium channel blockers.

• If you are taking cimetidine, cyclosporine, fentanyl, sildenafil, simvastatin, tacrolimus, or other medicines, 

talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

Common Side Effects 

• Feeling drowsy

• Headache

• Upset stomach

• Ankle swelling

• Feeling flushed (warm)

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention 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 the most complete and up-to-date information about the risks and side effects for each 

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
9

Peripherally Acting Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers 

Generic Name Brand Name 

doxazosin Cardura and Cardura XL

phenoxybenzamine Generic Medicine Only

prazosin Minipress

terazosin Generic Medicine Only
10

Peripherally Acting Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers: What You Should Know

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have liver problems, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

• If you are taking other medicines, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

• If you are planning to have cataract surgery, notify your eye doctor that you are using this medicine.

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness

• Feeling tired

• Feeling light-headed

• Vision problems

• Decreased sexual ability

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Chest pain

• Fainting

• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or legs

• Irregular heartbeat

• Prolonged or painful erection in men

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
11

Vasodilators

Generic Name Brand Name 

hydralazine Generic Medicine Only

minoxidil Generic Medicine Only
12

Vasodilators: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have heart disease or kidney problems, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using 

this medicine.

• If you are taking diuretics (water pills) or other medicines, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks 

of using this medicine.

Common Side Effects 

• Upset stomach

• Dizziness

• Growth in body hair

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Fast heartbeat

• Fainting

• Chest pain

• Problems breathing

• Sudden weight gain

• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or legs

• Skin tingling or numbness, skin crawling, or itching

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
13

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Generic Name Brand Name 

azilsartan Edarbi

candesartan Atacand

irbesartan Avapro

losartan Cozaar

olmesartan Benicar

telmisartan Micardis

valsartan Diovan
14

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: What You Should Know

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before you start using this medicine.

• If you have kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, low blood volume, or low salt in your blood, talk 

to your healthcare provider about the risks of taking this medicine.

• If you are taking diuretics (water pills), aliskiren, antibiotics, cyclosporine, lithium, nonsteroidal 

anti-inflammatory drugs, potassium supplements, ritonavir, or other medicines, talk to your healthcare 

provider about the risks of taking this medicine.

Common Side Effects

• Cough

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Sinus problems

• Heartburn

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Back pain

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Problems breathing

• Fainting

• Severe, chronic diarrhea with significant weight loss

• Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or legs

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
15

Centrally Acting Alpha Adrenergics 

Generic Name Brand Name 

clonidine Catapres

clonidine Catapres–TTS-1, TTS-2, TTS-3 (Skin Patches)

guanfacine Generic Medicine Only
16

Centrally Acting Alpha Adrenergics: What You Should Know

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before you start using this medicine.

• If you have heart disease, kidney problems, or liver problems, talk to your healthcare provider before 

using this medicine.

• If you are taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other medicines, talk to your healthcare provider 

about the risks of using this medicine.

• Drinking alcohol may make side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or vision problems worse.

• Be careful when driving or operating machinery.

• Keep both used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children. Used patches still contain enough 

medicine to be harmful to a child. 

• Tell your healthcare provider before you have an MRI scan if you are using the skin patch.

• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without the advice of your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects

• Changes in vision

• Dizziness

• Dry eyes

• Dry mouth

• Headache

• Mild skin rash, itching, or redness (close to the patch)

• Decreased sexual ability

• Feeling drowsy or tired

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Allergic reaction (including hives, rash, or swelling in other parts of your body)

• Fainting

• Moderate-to-severe skin rash, itching, or redness

• Slow or irregular heartbeat

• Fever

• Swollen ankles or feet

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
17

Renin Inhibitors

Generic Name Brand Name 

aliskiren Tekturna
18

Renin Inhibitors: What You Should Know

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems, talk to your healthcare provider before using 

this medicine.

• If you are taking water pills (diuretics), cyclosporine, high blood pressure medicines, heart medicines, 

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, potassium supplements, medicines to treat a fungus, or other 

medicines, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

Common Side Effects

• Cough 

• Diarrhea

• Feeling light-headed

• Acid reflux

• Rash

• Upset stomach

• Abdominal pain

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, rash, or swelling in your whole body)

• Fainting

• Decreased urination

• Gout

• Kidney stones

• Seizures

• Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, or tongue

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
19

Combination Medicines

Generic Name Brand Name 

aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide Tekturna HCT

amlodipine besylate and valsartan Exforge

amlodipine besylate and benazepril Lotrel

amlodipine besylate and olmesartan Azor

amlodipine besylate and perindopril Prestalia

amlodipine besylate and telmisartan Twynsta

amlodipine besylate, hydrochlorothiazide, and valsartan Exforge HCT

atenolol and chlorthalidone Tenoretic 50, Tenoretic 100

benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide Lotensin HCT

candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide Atacand HCT

captopril and hydrochlorothiazide Generic Medicine Only

enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide Vaseretic

fosinopril and hydrochlorothiazide Generic Medicine Only

hydrochlorothiazide and irbesartan Avalide

hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril Zestoretic

hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol succinate Dutoprol

hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol tartrate Lopressor HCT

hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan Benicar HCT

hydrochlorothiazide and quinapril Accuretic and Quinaretic

hydrochlorothiazide and telmisartan Micardis HCT

bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide Ziac
20

Combination Medicines

Generic Name Brand Name 

hydrochlorothiazide and losartan Hyzaar

hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol tartrate Generic Medicine Only

hydrochlorothiazide and moexipril Generic Medicine Only

amlodipine besylate, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan Tribenzor

trandolapril and verapamil Tarka

hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan Diovan HCT

chlorthalidone and zilsartan Edarbyclor

Combination Medicines: What You Should Know

These medicines are made up of two or more different kinds of blood pressure medicines. Look for the

generic or brand names of these medicines on one of the other lists in this guide.

Warnings and Side Effects

The warnings and side effects for these medicines will be the same as those listed for each of the generic

medicines.

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
21

Other Combination Medicines

Generic Name Brand Name 

amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin Caduet

amlodipine besylate and celecoxib Consensi

Other Combination Medicines: What You Should Know

• Caduet is made up of two different kinds of medicines. Amlodipine is a blood pressure medicine. 

Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine. 

• Consensi is made up of two different kinds of medicines. Amlodipine is a blood pressure medicine. 

Celecoxib is a medicine used to treat osteoarthritis.

• Look for the generic or brand names of amlodipine on the list of calcium channel blockers in this guide. 

The warnings and side effects for amlodipine will be the same as those listed earlier for calcium channel 

blockers.

• For the most complete and up-to-date information about the warnings and side effects for each medicine 

of atorvastatin and celecoxib, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have asthma, diabetes, stomach ulcers, heart disease, kidney problems, liver problems, or thyroid 

problems, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you are taking aspirin, blood thinners, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, antiviral medicines, 

antibiotics, antifungal medicines, cimetidine, sildenafil, oral contraceptives, or other medicines, talk to your 

healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

Common Side Effects

• Swelling of the legs or ankles

• Muscle or joint pain (mild)

• Headache

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Feeling dizzy

• Feeling tired or sleepy

• Gas

• Rash

• Nausea

• Face feels hot or warm
22

Other Combination Medicines: What You Should Know

Warnings and Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Chest pain

• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, rash, or swelling in your whole body)

• Weakness in part of your body

• Slurred speech

• Muscle problems such as weakness, tenderness, or pain that happens without a good reason 

(e.g., exercise or injury)

• Bloody vomit or bowel movement

• Brown or dark-colored urine

• Skin or eyes look yellow

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Feel more tired than usual

• Serious skin rash, itching, or redness

• Stomach or intestinal pain

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
23

Diuretics (sometimes called “water pills”)

Generic Name Brand Name 

amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide Midamor

chlorothiazide Diuril

chlorthalidone Generic Medicine Only

eplerenone Inspra

furosemide Lasix

hydrochlorothiazide Microzide

hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone Aldactazide

hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene Dyazide, Maxzide, and Maxzide-25

indapamide Generic Medicine Only

spironolactone Aldactone and CaroSpir

torsemide Demadex

metolazone Zaroxolyn
24

Diuretics: What You Should Know 

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine.

• If you have kidney or liver problems, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using this medicine.

• If you are taking potassium supplements, lithium, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory 

drugs, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, or other medicines, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks 

of using this medicine.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness

• Fainting 

• Frequent urination

• Headache

• Upset stomach

Warning Signs

Seek medical attention if you have any of these signs:

• Sudden vision changes or eye pain

• Severe rash

• Problems breathing

• Irregular heartbeat

• Feeling thirsty

• Muscle cramps or weakness

• Tingling or numbness in hands, arms, legs, or feet

• Gout

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

medicine, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/.
25

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

 What is the name of the medicine I am taking?

 What are the potential side effects?

 What other prescription medicines should I avoid while taking my high blood pressure medicine?

 What foods (such as grapefruit juice), herbs (like St. John’s wort), or over-the-counter medicine should 

I avoid?

 When should I take each medicine? How many times per day do I take each medicine?

 Can I take my medicine if I am pregnant or nursing?
26

Sign Up for a Pregnancy Registry

Pregnancy Exposure Registries are research studies 

that collect information from women who take 

prescription medicines or vaccines during pregnancy.

Pregnancy registries can help women and their 

doctors learn more about how high blood pressure 

medicines affect women during pregnancy.

The FDA does not run pregnancy studies, but it keeps 

a list of registries. Check to see if there is a registry 

for your high blood pressure medicine or other 

medicines at www.fda.gov/pregnancyregistries.
This document was developed by

FDA Office of Women’s Health

To get other women’s health materials, go to: www.fda.gov/womens

To Learn More: 

FDA Heart Health for Women

http://fda.gov/womenshearthealth

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Health Information Center

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure

Phone: 301-592-8573

TTY/TDD: 240-629-3255

NIH National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressureinpregnancy.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/pregnancy.htm

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

your medicine bottle. The medicine and risk information in this guide may change and is not all inclusive. 

High blood pressure medicines and information in this guide are current as of February 2021. 

For the most complete and up-to-date information about the risks and side effects of each medicine, 

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

FEBRUARY 2021