Hypertension Medications

1. Hypertension Medications By: Elizabeth Rangel University of the Incarnate Word

2. Brief Description of Disease What Is High Blood Pressure? • High blood pressure, or hypertension, comes from blood pushing too hard against your blood vessels. A healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. • High blood pressure affects 1 in 4 American adults. • Hypertension is dangerous because it causes the heart to work extra hard. This strain contributes to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is forced to work extra hard for an extended period of time, it tends to enlarge. A slightly enlarged heart can function well, but a significantly enlarged heart cannot. High blood pressure also causes damage to the arteries, causing arterial disease.

3. Medications There are many kinds of medications for high blood pressure but here are three we choose: Brand Generic • Cardura Doxazosin • Catapres Clonidine • Hytrin terazosin

4. Medication Actions Cardura (Doxazosin): • Doxazosin is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). • It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

5. Medication Classification • Antihypertensive

6. Side Effects • dizziness • lightheadedness • nausea • drowsiness • trouble sleeping • weight gain • joint/muscle pain • decreased sexual ability/interest may occur

7. Route and Dosage • Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. • TAKE 1 mg every day • To avoid injury related to dizziness or fainting, take your first dose of doxazosin at bedtime. Your dose may be gradually increased. • Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

8. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery (including cataract eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. The elderly may be at greater risk for dizziness and low blood pressure while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Auxiliary labels

9. Special information about cardura • STORAGE: Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. • Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

10. Medication actions Catapres ( Clonidine) • This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. • It works by stimulating certain brain receptors (alpha adrenergic type) which results in the relaxing of blood vessels in other parts of your body, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

11. Medication Classification • Antihypertensive

12. Side Effects • Dizziness • lightheadedness • Drowsiness • dry mouth • constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication

13. Route and Dosage • Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime) or as directed by your doctor. • Take 75 mg every day by mouth with or without food • The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

14. Auxiliary labels • This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. • Limit alcoholic beverages. • Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness. • Caution is advised when using this drug in children. If they cannot take doses of this medication due to vomiting from stomach/abdominal illnesses, they may be at increased risk for developing rebound hypertension • This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

15. Special information about catapres • Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. • This medication is also used in men to treat the symptoms of a prostate gland condition called BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate).

16. Medication actions • Hytrin ( Terazosin) • Hytrin is prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. • It may be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs.

17. Medication Classification • Antihypertensive

18. Side Effects • fatigue • nausea • drowsiness • blurred vision • headache • stuffy nose • lightheadedness • dizziness

19. Route and Dosage • Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. • Take 1mg by mouth daily , may increase dose slowly to desired response; not to exceed 20 mg a day. • Dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other medications, and response to therapy.

20. Auxiliary labels • This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. • You should avoid driving. • Limit alcoholic beverages. • To reduce the risk of dizziness and fainting, caution is advised when standing for long periods. Avoid getting overheated during exercise or hot weather. • This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.

21. Special information about hytrin • Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.