ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE AGENTS

• 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

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