Blood pressure medicines may be effective alone, or they may be used in combination with other drugs. Persons on diuretics should also follow a low salt diet. Beta blockers are another widely prescribed class of drug used to treat high blood pressure. Examples include propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol. Some beta blockers act more specifically than others and may be better for persons with asthma or diabetes.
Beta blockers work by slowing the heart.
Calcium channel blockers are another popular drug class. Numerous drugs belong to this class. Examples are diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine, and amlodipine. ACE inhibitors include captopril, enalapril, lisinopril and others. ACE inhibitors are becoming the drugs of choice for persons with diabetes.