18/09/2026
Antihypertensive Medicines —
Antihypertensives are medicines used to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and kidney disease. The medicine chosen depends on the patient’s BP, age, comorbidities, kidney function and other clinical factors.
1. ACE Inhibitors
Examples: Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril
Action: ↓ Angiotensin II and aldosterone → vasodilation → ↓ BP
Common effects: Dry cough, dizziness, hyperkalaemia
Monitor: BP, potassium and renal function
🧠 Memory: Many end in “-pril”
2. ARBs
Examples: Losartan, Candesartan, Valsartan
Action: Block angiotensin II AT₁ receptors → ↓ vasoconstriction and aldosterone → ↓ BP
Monitor: BP, potassium and renal function
🧠 Memory: Many end in “-sartan”
3. Calcium Channel Blockers
Examples: Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem
Action: Block L-type calcium channels.
Amlodipine/Nifedipine: Mainly cause vasodilation
Verapamil/Diltiazem: Also ↓ heart rate and AV conduction
Common effects: Headache, flushing, ankle oedema
🧠 Memory: Many dihydropyridines end in “-dipine”
4. Thiazide/Thiazide-like Diuretics
Examples: Indapamide, hydrochlorothiazide
Increase sodium and water excretion → help ↓ BP.
Monitor: BP, renal function and electrolytes.
5. Beta Blockers
Examples: Bisoprolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol
Block β-receptors → ↓ heart rate and cardiac workload.
Monitor: BP and pulse
🧠 Memory: Many end in “-olol”
🧠 Quick Recall
ACEi → -pril
ARB → -sartan
CCB → many -dipine
Beta blocker → many -olol
Diuretic → ↓ sodium/water
