There are many different types of blood pressure medications, and the best one for an individual depends on their overall health, age, ethnicity, and whether or not they have any co-existing medical issues or drug sensitivities. Here are the top 10 blood pressure medications by prescriptions written:
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril): This medication is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
- Amlodipine besylate (Norvasc): This is a calcium channel blocker.
- Generic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): This is a diuretic.
- Metoprolol: This is a beta-blocker.
- Losartan (Cozaar): This is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
- Valsartan (Diovan): This is also an ARB.
- Carvedilol (Coreg): This is a beta-blocker.
- Bisoprolol (Zebeta): This is also a beta-blocker.
- Spironolactone (Aldactone): This is a potassium-sparing diuretic.
- Clonidine (Catapres): This is a central alpha agonist.
Its important to note that there are many different classes of blood pressure medications, and each class works in a different way. The best blood pressure medication with the fewest side effects will be different for every person, as there are many factors that come into play. Its also worth noting that some groups of patients require the use of a specific class of high blood pressure medication. For example, the drug of choice for hypertensive, pregnant women is one of the oldest high blood pressure medications on the market, methyldopa.