🫀 Antihypertensive Drugs: High Blood Pressure Management
🔹 Introduction
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) ek silent killer hai jo India mein rapidly badh raha hai. Agar control na ho to ye heart attack, stroke aur kidney failure ka major cause ban sakta hai.
Is problem ko control karne ke liye doctors Antihypertensive drugs prescribe karte hain. Aayiye samajhte hain inke classes, mechanism aur Indian prescribing trends.
🔹 1. Major Classes of Antihypertensive Drugs
(A) ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)
- Examples: Enalapril, Ramipril, Perindopril
- MOA: Angiotensin II formation block → blood vessels relax → BP reduce
- Benefits: Kidney protection, post-MI benefit
- Side effects: Dry cough, hyperkalemia
(B) ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
- Examples: Telmisartan, Losartan, Olmesartan
- MOA: Angiotensin II receptor block → vasodilation → BP reduce
- Benefits: ACEI ke jaise effective but dry cough nahi hota
- Preferred choice in Indian practice
(C) Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
- Examples: Amlodipine, Diltiazem
- MOA: Calcium influx block → arteries relax → BP reduce
- Use: Elderly, isolated systolic hypertension
- Side effects: Ankle swelling
(D) Beta Blockers
- Examples: Metoprolol, Bisoprolol, Nebivolol
- MOA: Heart rate & output reduce → BP control
- Use: Angina, heart failure, post-MI patients
- Caution: Not for asthmatics
(E) Diuretics
- Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone
- MOA: Sodium-water excretion ↑ → BP reduce
- Use: Cost effective, good add-on therapy
🔹 2. Combination Therapy
Doctors often prescribe:
- Telmisartan + Amlodipine
- Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide
- Ramipril + Amlodipine
👉 Reason: Better BP control + patient compliance.
🔹 3. Prescribing Trends in India
- First-line → ARBs (esp. Telmisartan, Olmesartan)
- Add-on → CCBs (Amlodipine), Diuretics
- Diabetics → ARB/ACEI preferred
- Post-MI → Beta Blocker + ACEI/ARB
📝 Conclusion
Antihypertensive drugs BP control karke long-term complications rokne mein madadgar hote hain. Doctor patient ki age, comorbidities aur affordability dekh kar single drug ya combination choose karte hain.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Patients must consult a qualified doctor before taking any medicine.