High Blood Pressure Treatment (cont.)
In this Article
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the most potent of the
drugs that lower blood pressure by dilating the peripheral arteries. This drug does not work through the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, as do
the alpha and beta-blocker drugs, or through the control center in the brain, as
does clonidine. Rather, it is a muscle relaxant that works directly on the smooth muscle of the peripheral
arteries throughout the body. Minoxidil is used for patients who have not
responded to any other medications. It must be combined with a beta-blocker or
clonidine to prevent an increase in the heart rate and with a diuretic to
prevent retention of fluid (swelling). Minoxidil may also increase hair growth.
What about the patient's compliance with
medication regimes?
When uncomplicated hypertension has not caused symptoms, as often happens, some
patients tend to forget about their medications. Patients also tend to fail to
take their medications as prescribed (non-compliance or non-adherence) if they cause side effects. Quality of life issues are very important, especially with regard to compliance with prescribed blood pressure medications. Certain anti-hypertensive medications may cause such side effects as fatigue and sexual impotence which understandably can have profound effects on a patient's quality of life and compliance with treatment. More resistant cases of hypertension that require more medication may cause more adverse effects, and, therefore, less compliance.
In dosing schedules that require taking medication two to four times a day (split
dose), some patients will remember to take their medicine only some of the
times. In contrast, medications that can be given once daily tend to be
remembered more regularly.
Expensive blood pressure medications, especially if insurance does not cover the costs, may also reduce compliance. People attempt to save money by skipping doses of the prescribed medication. The least expensive medication regimes use generic (not brand name) drugs, which are readily available for some of the diuretics and beta-blockers. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, reducing dietary sodium, decreasing consumption of alcohol, and exercising regularly, the patient may require less medication.
Next: Is alternative medicine used to treat high blood pressure? »
- 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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