High Blood Pressure Treatment (cont.)
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Alpha-blockers
Alpha-blockers lower blood pressure by blocking alpha-receptors in the smooth
muscle of peripheral arteries throughout the tissues of the body. The
alpha-receptors are part of the sympathetic nervous system, as are the
beta-receptors. The alpha-receptors, however, serve to narrow (constrict) the peripheral arteries and the alpha-blockers cause the peripheral arteries to widen (dilate) and lower the blood pressure.
Recent evidence, suggests using alpha-blockers alone as a first
line drug choice for hypertension may actually increase the risk of
heart-related problems, such as heart attacks or strokes. Alpha-blockers,
therefore, should not be used as an initial drug choice for the treatment of
high blood pressure. Examples of alpha-blockers include terazosin (Hytrin) and
doxazosin (Cardura).
Alpha-blockers are particularly useful in patients with
enlargement of the prostate gland (which usually occurs in older men) because these drugs reduce
the problems associated with urinating. The alpha-receptors, however, serve to narrow (constrict) the peripheral arteries and the alpha-blockers cause the peripheral arteries to widen (dilate) and lower the blood pressure. For example, tamsulosin (Flomax) or
alfuzosin (Uroxatral) are alpha-blockers that work well in combination with
other anti-hypertensive medications.
Clonidine
Clonidine (Catapres) is an antihypertensive drug that works centrally. That is, it works in a control center for the sympathetic nervous system in the brain. The drug is referred to as a central alpha agonist because it stimulates alpha-receptors in the brain. The result of this central stimulation is to decrease the sympathetic nervous system outflow and to decrease the stiffness (resistance) of the peripheral arteries. Clonidine lowers the blood pressure by relaxing (dilating or widening) the peripheral arteries throughout the body. This drug is useful as a second or third line drug choice for lowering blood pressure when other anti-hypertensive medications have failed. It also may be useful on an as-needed basis to control or smooth out fluctuations in the blood pressure. This drug tends to cause dryness of the mouth and fatigue so some patients do not tolerate it. Clonidine comes in an oral form or as a sustained release skin patch. For more information, please see the drug monograph on
Clonidine.
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- ACE Inhibitors - Read about ACE inhibitors like Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramparil, Zestril and more. Information includes side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information.
- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
- Beta Blockers - Learn more about Beta Blockers, a drug that treats angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and tremors. Generic and brand names are included in the article.
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