Blood pressure medicines may be effective alone, or they may be used in combination with other drugs. Beta blockers are another widely prescribed class of drugs 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. Calcium channel blockers are another popular drug class used to treat high blood pressure.
Examples are diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine, and amlodipine.
ACE inhibitors include captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and others. A common side effect of these types of medicines is a chronic dry cough. These medicines help relax the pressure in blood vessel walls. Angiotensin II blockers are new agents for hypertension. These drugs work by dilating blood vessels.