High Blood Pressure Treatment (cont.)
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Treatment with combinations of drugs for high blood pressure
The use of combination drug therapy for hypertension is common. At times, using smaller amounts of one or more drugs in combination can minimize side effects while maximizing the anti-hypertensive effect. For example, diuretics, which also can be used alone, are more often used in a low dose in combination with another class of anti-hypertensive medications. This way, the diuretic has fewer side effects while improving the blood pressure - lowering effect of the other drug. Diuretics also are added to other anti-hypertensive medications when a patient with hypertension also has fluid retention and swelling (edema).
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers may be useful in combination with most other anti-hypertensive medications. These kinds of drugs have additive effects in treating patients with cardiomyopathies and proteinuria. Another useful combination is that of a beta-blocker with an alpha-blocker in patients with high blood pressure and enlargement of the prostate gland in order to treat both conditions simultaneously. But caution is necessary when combining two drugs that both lower the heart rate. For example, patients receiving a combination of a beta-blocker to a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker [for example, diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac) or verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin, Covera-HS)] need to be monitored carefully to avoid an excessively slow heart rate (bradycardia). Combining alpha and beta-blockers such as carvedilol (Coreg) and labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate) is useful for cardiomyopathies and for hypertension patients.
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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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