Anti-hypertensive agents are drugs used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension).
They work through various mechanisms to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Classification of Anti-Hypertensive Agents
Beta-Blockers
Mechanism: Reduce heart rate and cardiac output by blocking β-adrenergic receptors.
Timolol
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Mechanism: Inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and reduced aldosterone secretion.
Captopril
Lisinopril
Enalapril
Benazepril Hydrochloride
Quinapril Hydrochloride
Central Alpha-2 Agonists
Mechanism: Activate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, decreasing sympathetic outflow and reducing blood pressure.
Clonidine Hydrochloride
Methyldopate Hydrochloride
Sympatholytics
Mechanism: Inhibit the sympathetic nervous system through various pathways, leading to decreased vascular resistance and heart rate.
Guanethidine Monosulphate
Guanabenz Acetate
Reserpine
Direct Vasodilators
Mechanism: Directly relax vascular smooth muscles, causing vasodilation and reducing peripheral resistance.
Hydralazine Hydrochloride
Minoxidil
Sodium Nitroprusside
Diazoxide
Summary Table
Class | Mechanism | Medications |
Beta-Blockers | Block β-adrenergic receptors; reduce heart rate and output | Timolol |
ACE Inhibitors | Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to II; vasodilation | Captopril, Lisinopril, Enalapril, Benazepril HCl, Quinapril HCl |
Central Alpha-2 Agonists | Activate alpha-2 receptors; decrease sympathetic outflow | Clonidine HCl, Methyldopate HCl* |
Sympatholytics | Inhibit sympathetic nervous system | Guanethidine Monosulphate, Guanabenz Acetate, Reserpine |
Direct Vasodilators | Directly relax vascular smooth muscles | Hydralazine HCl, Minoxidil, Sodium Nitroprusside, Diazoxide |
