The course of chronic diseases must be constantly monitored. Hypertensive patients have to take antihypertensive drugs daily to normalize their condition. With hypertension, you have to take pills all your life, and this is quite expensive for the budget. To prevent patients from spending a significant portion of their income on drug therapy, there are inexpensive tablets for high blood pressure that are not inferior in effectiveness to expensive analogues. You cannot take medications without a doctor’s prescription. If a doctor has prescribed an expensive drug, you should contact him to select a cheap analogue.
What are high blood pressure pills
Arterial hypertension is considered a chronic disease and progresses with age. The age category of patients is 40 years and older. Fast-acting high blood pressure tablets effectively eliminate an unpleasant symptom, but do not treat the disease itself or its cause. A distinctive feature of such pharmacological products is the so-called “addictive effect”, so the selected medications must be changed periodically.
Monotherapy provides positive dynamics only at the early stage of hypertension; in more complex clinical cases, it is appropriate to combine 2–3 medications - representatives of different pharmacological groups with a pronounced antihypertensive effect. In any case, conservative treatment is selected on an individual basis, since drugs that are effective for atherosclerosis may be useless in case of cerebrovascular accident.
Common mistakes in the treatment of hypertension in the elderly
Many older people are treated with products that have been proven over the years, not trusting modern pharmaceuticals. This is the main mistake that older people make when treating hypertension. New good blood pressure medications for the elderly are much safer and better tolerated.
Old blood pressure medications Clonidine or Adelfan have not been used in routine medical practice for a long time, since they are extremely dangerous to the life and health of the patient. The medicine cabinet of elderly patients with hypertension always contains Corvalol, Valerian, Citramon, Validol, and joint ointment. Doctors do not prescribe these drugs for regular use for hypertension, because they are dangerous, cause various adverse reactions, have a bad effect on the general condition of the patient, and are addictive. Modern blood pressure-lowering pills may have no side effects or cause minimal problems. New safe drugs normalize blood pressure without affecting other organs.
Some elderly patients consider themselves smarter than qualified specialists and do not follow individual recommendations, blindly trusting the instructions for using the medicine. But the instructions provide general recommendations for taking pills, which must be adjusted to a specific person, taking into account the characteristics of the anamnesis and pathogenesis.
It is not for nothing that older people are prescribed tablets for high blood pressure for long-term regular use in a reduced daily dosage. This helps to smoothly adjust arterial parameters, reducing the risk of complications. But some patients take pills irregularly, and when their blood pressure rises, which leads to an imaginary improvement in their condition. In fact, the body experiences severe stress, which has an even worse effect on the cardiovascular system. Medicines for the elderly should be taken at the frequency recommended by a specialist. Otherwise, it will not be possible to get rid of hypertension and therapy will be in vain.
List of fast acting medications
To ensure positive dynamics in arterial hypertension of varying severity, doctors recommend studying the list of fast-acting medications that effectively stop an acute attack and prevent its occurrence in the future. To prevent a hypertensive crisis, it is recommended to pay attention to the following medications and their full analogues in the catalogs of online stores and pharmacies in the city:
- Andipal (Adelfan);
- Lisinopril (Diroton, Lisinoton);
- Losartan (Lozap, Lorista);
- Raunatine (Reserpine);
- Diltiazem (Cardil, Diacordin);
- Capoten (Captopril);
- Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amlodac, Amlocor);
- Metoprolol (Metocard, Egilok);
- Valsartan (Nortivan, Teveten);
- Enalapril (Enap, Berlipril.
Blood pressure medications for older people: list
Arterial hypertension is a common companion for people over 50 years of age. However, most people turn a blind eye to dangerous symptoms and consult a doctor when they are completely unbearable. Properly selected blood pressure medications for older people, a list of which we will list below, will help keep blood pressure normal without risk to health!
The first thing prescribed to hypertensive patients is diuretics, which remove excess fluid and relieve stress on the blood vessels.
No side effects
When choosing medications, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the affected organism, chronic diseases, and a tendency to allergies. Fast-acting tablets for high blood pressure should have a minimum of side effects, otherwise the progression of the underlying disease with an acute attack of pain and other symptoms is possible. Effective treatment should be selected by a knowledgeable specialist, but, in general, the following pharmacological positions have proven themselves well:
- Andipal. The active component metamizole sodium provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, bendazole dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, papaverine hydrochloride quickly relieves spasms, eliminates dizziness and prolonged migraine attacks. The course of treatment lasts up to 7 days at a dosage of 1 – 2 pills per day. The drug is absolutely incompatible with Dibazol and Papaverine.
- Raunatin. These are herbal pills that are prescribed for high blood pressure of various etiologies. The course of treatment is 30 days, the initial daily dosage is 1 tablet. The dosage can be gradually increased, but not more than 5 pills per day. Side effects include poor tolerability of the active components with the appearance of an allergic reaction on the skin. An additional advantage is a beneficial effect on the nervous system, so it is advisable to take the medicine before bed.
- Renipril. This is an ACE inhibitor, which is prescribed as part of complex therapy even for chronic heart failure. It is recommended to drink no more than 40 mg 1 – 2 times a day, but this dose must be gradually increased, starting from 2.5 mg 1 time a day. The attending physician selects the optimal course purely individually, depending on pre-existing diseases.
List of drugs under the tongue, advantages, contraindications and side effects
In medicine, there are currently several types of sublingual tablets for excessively high blood pressure, which can quickly and effectively reduce hypertension. Their prices are different.
The choice of drugs depends on the level of hypertension and how high this medical indicator is.
Any drug taken under the tongue is fast-acting and quickly reduces levels. The result of a decrease in pressure can be observed within ten minutes, which is comparable in effect only to a system or an injection.
This action will be especially useful for those who are prone to hypertensive crises.
"Losartan"
The drug for high blood pressure under the tongue "Losartan" belongs to the group of angiotensin 2 receptors and belongs to the drugs that quickly lower blood pressure.
However, despite the fact that this medicine is effectively used to treat blood pressure, it has a number of contraindications, including:
- Diabetes of any type.
- Lactase deficiency.
- Increased amount of potassium in the body.
- Kidney diseases during exacerbation and in severe stages.
- Lactation and pregnancy.
- Age limit up to 16 years.
The drug also has several side effects that are very rare, but do occur:
- Nausea and even vomiting.
- Asthenic manifestations.
- Increased sweating and weakness.
- Headache.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Pain in the abdomen and joints.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor and stop taking the medication in tablets.
"Anaprilin"
"Anaprilin" belongs to the group of beta blockers. Therefore, when an emergency occurs, the drug can be taken sublingually, i.e. under the tongue.
When the drug enters the body, it stops beta-adrenergic receptors, due to which sensitivity to adrenaline decreases.
When taking Anaprilin, you can observe the following improvements:
- high blood pressure and peripheral vessels return to normal;
- heart function and pulse are normalized;
- the load on the heart is reduced.
It should be remembered that people who treat blood pressure with these tablets should not drink alcohol.
The product should be discarded in the following cases:
- The patient has lung problems (eg, pneumonia, asthma).
- Diabetes of any degree.
- Kidney diseases.
- The patient does not tolerate the active substance included in the medication.
- If there is a problem with the thyroid gland.
- There is a circulatory disorder in the vessels.
Side effects may include:
- malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;
- excessive decrease in pressure;
- allergic reactions;
- cough;
- hallucinations;
- dizziness and headache;
- spasmodic reaction of the bronchi. Pregnant women should take the drug strictly under the supervision of a doctor.
"Lisinopril"
A drug such as Lisinopril is classified as an ACE inhibitor. Most often, this drug is prescribed to treat the following diseases:
- High blood pressure of the essential type.
- Heart attack in the acute phase.
- Nephropathy type DM 2.
This product should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
A person taking this drug may experience the following side effects:
- Dizziness, headache.
- Skin problems.
- Decreased hemoglobin.
- Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sweating and increased fatigue.
- Increased excitability and insomnia.
- Tachycardia.
These sublingual tablets should never be taken with other sublingual blood pressure medications - ACE inhibitors.
"Captopril"
With the help of Captopril you can also cope with hypotension. It belongs to the ACE inhibitors and is characterized by rapid action and high efficiency.
The drug is taken in the presence of the following diseases:
- Rehabilitation period after a heart attack.
- Heart defects.
- Nephropathy.
- Diabetes of any type.
- Bronchial asthma.
But the use of this drug should be limited for certain symptoms and diseases, including:
- An allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug.
- Lactation.
- Inflammation of blood vessels.
- Childhood.
- Vasculitis.
- Pregnancy.
- Simultaneous use of Captopril and immunosuppressants.
The drug has the following beneficial effects on the body, namely:
- normalizes blood pressure;
- relieves shortness of breath;
- reduces the load on the heart;
- the frequency and intensity of heart pain decreases after taking the drug.
An additional advantage is that you no longer need to take diuretics.
"Veroshpiron"
The therapeutic effect of Veroshpiron is that it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Its main indications, in addition to heart failure, are excessive swelling and hypertension.
The product also has contraindications, including:
- Anuria.
- Any stage of diabetes.
- Lactase intolerance.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Age restrictions up to 3 years.
- Hyperkalemia.
After taking the drug, the following symptoms may appear:
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- increased drowsiness;
- headache and dizziness;
- weakness and fever;
- skin manifestations;
- acute renal failure.
The drug must be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
"Nifedipine"
"Nifedipine" is a sublingual tablet in a yellow coating. In their action, these are calcium blockers, which help normalize blood pressure after taking them. Blood pressure pills dilate blood vessels and relieve heart pain.
Indications for taking the drug are:
- high blood pressure;
- cardiac ischemia;
- kidney dysfunction;
- angina pectoris.
Naturally, there is also a group of diseases when pills cannot be taken. These include:
- Low pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Liver diseases.
- Lactation and breastfeeding period.
- Any manifestations of allergies.
- Violation of intracranial circulation.
- Acute form of heart failure.
After taking the drug, the following symptoms may appear:
- weakness and sweating;
- disruption of the respiratory system;
- excessive excitability.
In some cases, diarrhea may occur.
"Diroton"
With increased pressure under the tongue, Diroton is often taken. At its core, it is an ACE inhibitor that quickly copes with high blood pressure.
If we talk about the indications of this remedy, these could be:
- Hypertension (Diroton is usually used as a complex therapy).
- Heart failure in the chronic stage.
- Acute myocardial infarction.
- Nephropathy of diabetic type.
You should not take pills in the following cases:
- Quincke's edema;
- childhood;
- sensitivity to the components that make up the drug.
Side effects when using this substance and increasing blood pressure are a dry cough. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, a sharp decrease in pressure (usually below normal), allergic manifestations, and chest pain may also occur. Other reactions are possible, but they are very rare.
"Nitroglycerine"
You can quickly lower blood pressure with the help of a drug such as Nitroglycerin. These tablets are especially often prescribed for angina attacks.
However, this effective drug for lowering blood pressure also has contraindications:
- Low hemoglobin.
- High blood pressure.
- Glaucoma.
- Intracranial pressure.
- Heart failure.
In case of an overdose of tablets that lower blood pressure, patients may experience the following symptoms:
- blueness of palms and lips;
- nausea and vomiting;
- rapid heartbeat;
- increase in body temperature.
Thanks to modern medicine, you can buy Nitroglycerin, which lowers blood pressure, not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of a spray, which is also used under the tongue and lowers blood pressure.
"Homviotensin"
Another sublingual tablet is Homviotensin. This drug is effective in that it can reduce blood pressure by as much as 20%. It has two main indications: neurocircular dystonia and high blood pressure grades 1 and 2.
Doctors do not prescribe this drug if it is:
- Depressive states.
- Allergic reactions.
- Acute gastritis and stomach ulcer.
- Age restrictions up to 10 years.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
After taking it, in some cases, the patient may experience the following symptoms:
- insomnia;
- dry mouth;
- bleeding ulcers in the stomach and intestines, as the drug can corrode the gastric mucosa.
- increased drowsiness;
- In males, gynecomastia may occur.
Also, in patients (in rare cases) when taking tablets sublingually, a slowdown in heart rate is observed.
These are effective tablets for high blood pressure under the tongue. They are included in the group of diuretics. Acting as a diuretic, the drug thereby reduces blood pressure. First of all, the medicine is effective against essential hypertension.
The drug is not recommended for use in the following cases:
- The composition is poorly tolerated by the patient.
- He has hypokalemia.
- Severe renal and hepatic disorders.
Side effects may also occur, including:
- dizziness and pain in the head;
- fainting conditions;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- allergic reactions on the skin;
- liver dysfunction.
Strong tablets
There are clinical cases where immediate action is required. In such cases, medications to quickly lower blood pressure can even save a person’s life. As an “ambulance”, it is recommended to pay attention to the following over-the-counter tablets for blood pressure under the tongue:
- Captopril. You need to first crush 1 pill, then put it under the tongue until completely dissolved and absorbed into the mucous membranes. In this way, you can not only quickly lower blood pressure, but also reduce cerebral hypoxia, prevent myocardial infarction, and an attack of heart failure. Daily dosage – 2 pills in a multiplicity of 2 approaches. The course of intensive therapy is up to 10 days.
- Nifedipine. A calcium channel blocker recommended for angina pectoris at rest and exertion, coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension. The drug should be taken orally after meals with plenty of liquid. The recommended dose is 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, in complicated clinical cases - 2 tablets 1-2 times a day. The course is selected individually. Contraindications: aortic stenosis, decompensated heart failure, tachycardia, hypersensitivity to synthetic components, sick sinus syndrome.
List of tablets for high blood pressure
To treat hypertension, drugs from various pharmacological groups are used, but the main list of medications is as follows:
- Enzyme inhibitors (AFP), which prevent the formation of antiotensin concentrations, provide vasodilation - Captopril, Penitek, Penrindopril, Zocardis, Lisinopril and others.
- Antagonists are drugs that block antiotensin receptors - Cozaar, Lorista, Atacand, Aprovel.
- Calcium channel blockers - provide vasodilation, reduce the level of arterial resistance by blocking calcium channels into the cell. Topical products - “Cordafen”, “Nimotop”, “Verapamil”, “Felodip” and others.
- Alpha adrenergic blockers - block norepinephrine, which provokes a decrease in blood pressure - Tonocardin, Cardura, Doxazosin.
- Beta-blockers - provokes blocking of adrenergic receptors, which are located in the bronchi and heart - “Metoprolol”, “Cordinorm”, “Nebilet”, “Koriol”, “Lokren” and others.
- Diuretics – provide intensive removal of water from the body - “Triampur”, “Indapamide”, “Hypothiazide”.
- Neurotropic drugs - act on the nervous system - “Dopegit”, “Moxonitex”, “Physiotens” and others.
The basic rule that must be observed is that the drug is prescribed exclusively by a doctor based on a study of the patient’s condition, the characteristics of the stage of development of the disease, indications, and all kinds of contraindications. Self-medication is unacceptable, because the wrong choice of medication can become the basis for the formation of a reverse effect, which often provokes a crisis, heart attack, or stroke.
Only a doctor can prescribe drug therapy, with clear instructions about taking pills
Many drugs that are classified as emergency medications, such as Clonidine, cannot be used in systemic therapy; they are intended exclusively for relieving a crisis. Taking them is a serious burden on the entire body, which subsequently provokes sudden changes in blood pressure.
Taking medications should be carried out exclusively under the constant supervision of a doctor. This is especially true for older patients, since it is necessary to control the issue of side effects. Such control also makes it possible to select the correct drug by monitoring the patient’s condition and the effects of using certain tablets.
Note. Antihypertensive therapy often encounters negative manifestations. If they occur, you should immediately inform your doctor. In certain cases, the effect is unstable and disappears on its own after a few days. In other situations, this effect can be eliminated only by changing the drug taken.
For the elderly
Since renal function is pathologically reduced at retirement age, fast-acting high blood pressure pills must be selected with extreme caution. At the same time, it is important not to forget about drug interactions, which can significantly harm the health of an elderly person. It is impossible to sharply reduce blood pressure, since doctors identify hypotensive crisis, collapse, confusion, drowsiness, and depression among the consequences of such radical measures. A gradual but steady decrease in blood pressure is recommended using the medications suggested below:
- Hypothiazide. This is a diuretic, which, along with a diuretic effect, reduces high blood pressure and acts in combination with antihypertensive drugs. The recommended dose is 25-50 mg once a day, in case of renal failure - no more than 12.5 mg. Positive dynamics are observed on days 3–4 of oral administration and persist for 1–2 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. There are contraindications, and in complex therapy it is important to take into account drug interactions; it is often used in combination with Veroshpiron and Triamterene. On the recommendation of the attending physician, Hypothiazide can be replaced with another diuretic - Furasemide.
- Diltiazem. The medication has antiarrhythmic and hypotensive properties. Prescribed for hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and other pathologies of the cardiovascular system. The optimal dosage ranges from 180 to 360 mg per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses. Swallow a single dose whole, do not chew, and wash down with water. Side effects: dry mouth, signs of dyspepsia, allergic reactions, dizziness, migraines, insomnia.
- Nifedipine. The drug quickly reduces blood pressure and can be used as an emergency aid. There are retard forms for long-term use.
Features of choosing the right medicine
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The modern pharmaceutical market offers many good and inexpensive drugs to reduce high blood pressure. But only a specialist should select a medicine, taking into account the many nuances and individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Treatment of hypertension in the elderly is somewhat different from treatment of the disease at a younger age. This is explained by age-related changes in the human body. With age, vessels become more fragile, the arterial lumen narrows, vascular walls lose their elasticity, various atherosclerotic changes occur, and disruption of the functioning of the vascular system and kidneys occurs.
The drug for hypertension is selected by a specialist after examination, taking into account the patient’s age, the particular course of the pathology, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases. In addition, when selecting blood pressure medication for an elderly person, the doctor relies on the following principles of hypertension treatment:
- First, one drug is prescribed in a minimum dosage, which can be gradually increased if necessary.
- The reduction in pressure should be gradual; sudden jumps in indicators should not be allowed. Normally, complete normalization of blood pressure should occur within a few months.
- If you have coronary heart disease, then your blood pressure cannot be lowered to normal.
- When selecting drug therapy, other existing diseases are taken into account.
- The drug must be compatible with other medications that the patient is taking.
- The drug must be long-acting so that the patient takes no more than 1 tablet per day. Fast-acting tablets are prescribed only to relieve a hypertensive crisis.
- A combination of drugs occurs in small dosages to achieve a better effect, although monotherapy is preferable for the treatment of hypertension in the elderly.
- If taking one drug does not bring the expected result, then you need to choose another drug.
Throughout treatment, the patient must regularly measure blood pressure in a horizontal and vertical position, as well as monitor carbohydrate metabolism, the balance of electrolyte with water and the functioning of the heart and kidneys. If you select high blood pressure pills according to these principles, then treating hypertension in older people can bring excellent results.
On every day
For high blood pressure, it is necessary to take a full course of oral administration of hypertensive drugs, but if the therapeutic effect decreases, immediately introduce a replacement. If a patient suffers from hypertension, the main goal of drug therapy is to stop an acute attack and prevent its occurrence. After the specified period, the medicine should be replaced, since the desired effect weakens significantly, the so-called “addictive effect” is observed. Here are effective tablets for every day:
- Perindopril. This drug with a vasoconstrictor effect is also produced in tablet form. Used for the primary and auxiliary treatment of high blood pressure in hypertension, coronary artery disease, and after an ischemic stroke. The initial dose is 4 mg (for the elderly - 2 mg), but after a few days it can be doubled. In case of renal and liver failure, the recommended doses must be adjusted (reduced). It is not advisable to combine the drug with diuretics.
- Vasotens. Angiotensin II receptor antagonist with antihypertensive properties. The initial dosage is 50 mg, which should preferably be increased to 100 mg. It is necessary to take tablets for high blood pressure in several doses during a course of treatment of 1 - 2 weeks. The medication is involved in a complex therapy regimen, but when prescribed simultaneously with diuretics, the initial dose should be reduced to 25 mg. With the cumulative effect, the therapeutic effect weakens, it is necessary to change the quick-acting medicine for high blood pressure.
- Arifon-retard (indopamid). This is an effective diuretic that should preferably be used in minimal doses. An increase in diuresis is excluded, but a decrease in blood pressure is observed within an hour from the moment of taking a single dose. It is recommended to take 1 tablet per day - in the morning, always before meals. The drug reduces left ventricular hypertrophy, is well tolerated by patients, and is approved even for endocrine diseases. Contraindications: renal and liver failure.
What to take if there is a sharp rise in blood pressure
In old age, the risk of a hypertensive crisis increases several times, so it is important to prevent a sharp increase in indicators. For this purpose, specialists prescribe regular use of antihypertensive drugs.
Elderly patients should be able to recognize the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, distinguish them from ordinary manifestations of high blood pressure, in order to call an ambulance in time and take pills to urgently lower their levels.
During a hypertensive crisis, the pressure rises sharply to critical levels and can reach over 180 to 110 points. With a sharp jump in blood pressure, one may feel dizzy, dark spots appear before the eyes, and some may faint. Each person experiences a hypertensive crisis differently. It all depends on the general condition of the body and the degree of increase in indicators.
Hypertensive patients are advised to have the tablets Nifedipine and Captopril on hand. If there is a sharp jump in blood pressure to critical levels, you need to put the tablet under the tongue and slowly dissolve until completely dissolved. If Nifedipine or Captopril is not at home, you can replace them with Capoten tablets, Captopres, or Corinfar.
If the increase in blood pressure is accompanied by panic attacks, you should take a tablet of Validol, Corvalol or Valerian. If there is a sharp rise in blood pressure, accompanied by severe pain in the heart, take a Nitroglycerin tablet.
During an attack, you need to calm down, open the window, letting in fresh air, and put mustard plasters on your calves or shoulders. If the condition worsens, you should call an ambulance. Before the ambulance arrives, you can give an injection of magnesium sulfate.
If your blood pressure suddenly increases, you should call an ambulance.
New generation drugs
In cases of grade 2 and 3 hypertension, high blood pressure cannot be normalized without quick-acting medications. Modern medicines in tablets simultaneously relieve blood pressure surges and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, kidneys and central nervous system organs. Among the advantages of conservative treatment are a decrease in left ventricular hypertrophy, stability of sexual function and performance, and a sparing effect on the nervous system. The latest generation of fast-acting tablets are allowed even for pensioners.
- Calcigard Retard. The medicine has a mild but targeted effect and is prescribed for hypertension and angina pectoris. The average dose is 1 pill twice a day during or after meals. Contraindications include: acute stage of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, recurrent heart disease, intolerance to synthetic components. Side effects: nervous disorders, allergic reactions, problems in the digestive system. Course – 2 weeks.
- Edarby. This is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker, which provides the maximum therapeutic effect on the 30th day of conservative treatment. High blood pressure begins to fall 2 to 3 days after taking the first pill. The initial dose of the drug is 40 mg. Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, renal failure, age under 18 years, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Side effects are rare and include attacks of dyspepsia, local and allergic reactions.
Why treat hypertension in the elderly?
Hypertension is an insidious disease, as it develops slowly and is practically asymptomatic, which is why a person is not aware of the existence of a problem for a long time. And when the disease is diagnosed, it is often possible to cope with it only with the help of complex treatment, consisting of drug therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes. Arterial hypertension affects men and women of all ages, but is most often observed in the elderly. Just a few decades ago, doctors believed that there was no point in starting drug treatment for hypertension in older people. This was explained by the fact that at this age there is a high probability that taking any antihypertensive drug will result in the development of side effects or complications.
Therefore, doctors simply prescribed a diet and monitored the patient’s condition. But years have passed, medicine has advanced greatly, so today even representatives of the oldest age category can be cured of arterial hypertension. Numerous scientific studies have proven that drug treatment of hypertension can be not only effective, but also gentle. And almost 40% of elderly patients manage to avoid heart attack, stroke or other serious complications. Today, doctors prescribe drug therapy regardless of when the problem was diagnosed - at an early age or after 60 years. But the selection of antihypertensive drugs is carried out only after a thorough examination and collection of anamnesis about the patient. Some old people do not trust modern medical drugs, preferring the old arsenal or folk remedies. And this makes a big mistake. Self-medication can seriously harm your health.
Long acting tablets
A number of medications with antihypertensive effects have a cumulative effect, i.e., stable positive dynamics are not observed immediately. Among the advantages of this pharmacological prescription are a long-lasting effect on blood vessels and a long period of remission. Disadvantages: inability to quickly stop an acute day. Medicines are prescribed by the attending physician and are part of complex therapy at home. Here are the medications for high blood pressure we are talking about:
- Bisoprolol. For the complex treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, intended for oral administration with an individual course of treatment. The initial daily dose is 2.5-5 mg with a gradual increase to 5-10 mg. The maximum dosage should not exceed 20 mg. The medication must be withdrawn gradually, otherwise blood pressure may rise sharply. There are contraindications and side effects.
- Cordaflex. The active ingredient is nifedipine. The remedy for high blood pressure ensures a gradual expansion of the vascular lumen without side effects. The initial dose is 10 mg three times a day, if necessary, can be increased to 20 mg 1 - 2 times a day. Violating the prescribed dose can only worsen the general condition of an elderly person and cause an attack of another chronic disease.
- Metoprolol. The drug has antiarrhythmic, antianginal, antihypertensive and minor membrane-stabilizing properties. The initial dose is 50-100 mg in 2 oral doses. The maximum dose should not exceed 200 mg per day.
Drugs for high blood pressure
Several mechanisms are responsible for the increase in blood pressure, so some patients require two or more medications simultaneously to achieve stable blood pressure control. To reduce the number of pills taken and reduce the risk of side effects, the latest generation of hypertension medications have been created. There are only five groups of antihypertensive drugs. The classification is carried out according to the composition and principle of action of the tablets on the body:
- angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists;
- diuretics (diuretic) drugs;
- calcium antagonists;
- beta-adrenergic blockers;
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Beta blockers
This is a popular group of new generation medications for hypertension that are highly effective and versatile. Hypertension can occur from the effect of catecholamines (norepinephrine and adrenaline) on special receptors located in the heart - beta-adrenergic receptors. This effect causes the heart muscle to contract faster and the heart to beat faster, increasing blood pressure. Beta blockers stop this mechanism, providing a persistent hypertensive effect.
The first beta blocker was introduced to the world in 1964, and many doctors called the development one of the important developments in medicine. Over time, other products with a similar principle of action began to be produced. Some of them affect the functioning of all types of beta-adrenergic receptors, others - only one of them. Depending on this, beta blockers are usually divided into three groups:
- First generation or non-selective medications - block beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. These include: Propranolol, Sotalol, Timolol, Anaprilin.
- Second generation or selective agents - block the functioning of only the beta-1 receptor. This group is represented by: Oxprenolol, Metoprolol, Bisoprolol, Esmolol, Atenolol, Betaxolol, Doxazosin, Candesartan, Concor.
- Third generation medications with a neurogenic effect - affect the regulation of vascular tone. These include: Clonidine, Carvedilol, Labetalol, Nebivolol,
Diuretics
Diuretics are one of the oldest groups of antihypertensive drugs. It was first used in the early 50s of the last century, but diuretics have not lost popularity today. Today, diuretic medications to lower blood pressure are prescribed in combination with other drugs (ACE inhibitors or sartans).
Diuretics help lower blood pressure by increasing the kidneys' excretion of salt and fluids. This effect on the body leads to a reduction in the load on the blood vessels and promotes their relaxation. Modern diuretics are used in very low dosages, which does not cause a significant diuretic effect, leaching a large amount of useful substances from the body. The hypotensive effect occurs 4-6 weeks after the start of treatment.
In pharmacology, there are up to four types of diuretic drugs, but only three of them are used to treat hypertension:
- Thiazide and thiazide -like are long-acting agents. They have a mild effect and have almost no contraindications. The disadvantage of thiazides is that they can reduce potassium levels in the blood, which is why it is necessary to evaluate the patient's condition every month after starting to take the pills. Thiazide diuretics: Hypothiazide, Apo-Hydro, Dichlorothiazide, Arifon, Indapamide,
- Loop - prescribed only when highly resistant hypertension is diagnosed. They quickly lower blood pressure, but at the same time they contribute to the loss of a significant amount of magnesium and sodium ions and increase the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Loop diuretics – Diuver, Torasemide, Furosemide.
- Potassium-sparing - are used very rarely, because they increase the risk of developing hyperkalemia. These include: Veroshpiron, Spironolactone, Aldactone.
Sartans
Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers are one of the newest groups of antihypertensive medications. According to the mechanism of action, they are similar to ACE inhibitors. The active components of sartans block the last level of the renin-angiotensin system, preventing the interaction of its receptors with the cells of the human body. As a result of this work, angiotensin does not constrict blood vessels, while the secretion of vasopressin and aldosterone (hormones that promote fluid accumulation in tissues) is reduced.
All sartans act for a long time, the hypotensive effect lasts for 24 hours. With regular use of angiotensin 2 blockers, blood pressure levels do not fall below acceptable values. It is worth knowing that these are not quick-acting high blood pressure pills. A steady decrease in blood pressure begins to appear 2-4 weeks after the start of treatment and intensifies by the 8th week of therapy. List of sartans:
- Losartan (Dimethicone);
- Olmesartan;
- Fimasartan;
- Valsartan;
- Aldosterone;
- Cardosal.
ACE inhibitors
These are pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed for high blood pressure due to heart failure, diabetes, and kidney disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors change the balance of biologically active blood components in favor of vasodilators, thereby reducing blood pressure.
The hypotensive effect of ACE inhibitors may be reduced with simultaneous use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to their chemical structure, ACE inhibitors are divided into three groups:
- Sulfhydryl - act for a short period of time. These are ACEs: Zofenopril, Captopril, Lotensin, Capoten.
- Carboxyl - differ in the average duration of action. This group includes: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Hortil, Quinapril, Perindopril.
- Phosphinyl - have a prolonged effect. This group includes: Fozinopril, Ramipril, Perindopril.
Calcium inhibitors
Another name for these drugs is calcium channel blockers. This group is used primarily in the complex treatment of hypertension. They are suitable for those patients who have many contraindications to the use of other new generation drugs for hypertension. Calcium inhibitors can be prescribed to pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with heart failure.
The main principle of action of calcium channel blockers is to dilate blood vessels by creating barriers to the penetration of calcium ions into muscle cells. Inhibitors are conventionally divided into three groups: nifedipine (dihydropyridines), diltiazem (benzothiazepines), verapamil (phenylalkylamines). To lower blood pressure, the nifedipine group is often prescribed. The medications included in it are divided into subtypes:
- First generation - Calcigard retard, Cordaflex retard, Nifecard, Nifedipine.
- Second generation drugs - Felodipine, Nicardipine, Plendil.
- Third class medications - Amlodipine, Amlovas, Kalchek, Norvasc.
- Fourth generation - Cilnidipine, Duocard (very rarely prescribed for hypertension).
What are the most effective pills for high blood pressure?
Medications for high blood pressure must be selected together with your doctor. What works for one patient may be a waste of time for another. It is necessary to take into account the diagnosed stage of hypertension, the presence of internal diseases of the body, and a tendency to allergic reactions. Below is a list of the most effective fast-acting high blood pressure pills that will help you forget about such an unpleasant disease and its attacks for a long time.
Sanoral
These are new generation gelatin-coated pills intended for oral administration. Sanoral is not affordable for all domestic heart patients, and it is difficult to find in city pharmacies. It is much easier to order and buy in an online store from the manufacturer (Riga, Latvia). One package contains 28 tablets on blisters. The daily dosage for blood pressure fluctuations is 20 mg of the drug, which corresponds to 1 pill. The active component of the same name is quickly absorbed into the systemic circulation, reaching the maximum concentration after 60 minutes. Cost – up to 2,000 rubles.
Kapoten
This is a well-known and affordable ACE inhibitor, the active substance of which is captopril. Among the main advantages of pharmacological prescription, doctors highlight the surgical effect on blood vessels during spasms and the rapid removal of the active substance from the body. In the latter case, it is important to understand that a single dose is not enough to ensure a sustainable therapeutic effect; multiple doses of the medication are necessary. The cardiologist determines the number of pills depending on the stage of hypertension.
The initial dose is 6 mg, the maximum is 150 mg per day, divided into 2 to 3 approaches. It is recommended to increase the dosage gradually, and then also slowly reduce the usual number of tablets. The drug is intended to be taken orally - during or after a meal, with plenty of water. To stop an acute attack, doctors recommend putting the pill under the tongue, not drinking it, but slowly dissolving it until completely dissolved. The active components penetrate the mucous membrane through the blood, relieve vascular spasm, and expand the vascular lumen.
These are affordable tablets for high blood pressure, the cost of which varies between 150-300 rubles. Before starting a therapeutic course, you need to individually consult with a specialist; for example, in combination with diuretics, the daily dose will have to be reduced. In addition, the instructions reflect side effects and contraindications.
Diroton
This is a new generation medical drug that lowers blood pressure due to the activity of lisinopril. When prescribed, the effect on the cardiovascular system is complex, with no nervous disorders or significant side effects from the gastrointestinal tract. The medication acts gently, the list of side effects is minimal. Self-medication is excluded, since the effect of Diroton after withdrawal is the opposite - a sharp jump in blood pressure.
Contraindications: renal artery stenosis, renal failure, primary aldosteronism, age restrictions up to 16 years. Side effects include signs of dyspepsia, increased drowsiness, a tendency to depression and allergic reactions to the skin. In case of drug interactions, it is important to consider the risk of enhancing the antihypertensive effect (it is important to avoid collapse). The medicine is cheap, sold in pharmacies without a prescription for 70 - 100 rubles per pack.
Modern antihypertensive drugs of the latest generation
At the initial stage, arterial hypertension can be cured with herbal remedies, diet or lifestyle changes. But in old age, hypertension is often detected at a late stage, when the prescription of antihypertensive drugs cannot be avoided. With the correct selection of medications and following general recommendations, an elderly person can be completely healed and return blood pressure to normal.
To draw up a medication regimen for treating hypertension, you need to contact a cardiologist. Hypertension in old age can be treated with various drugs that belong to the following pharmacological groups:
- Beta blockers reduce blood pressure by reducing the production of adrenaline. Adrenaline has a strong effect on blood vessels and heart muscle, causing pressure surges. Beta blockers are prescribed for increased blood pressure caused by coronary artery disease, increased heart rate, after a heart attack, or with heart failure. These are popular medications for hypertension that are taken in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. Beta blockers are contraindicated in diabetes, sinus rhythm disorder, and bronchial asthma. Common side effects: vestibular disorders, impotence, cold extremities, depression.
- Diuretics lower blood pressure, remove excess water and sodium from the body, and restore water-salt balance. These are inexpensive drugs for hypertension, but they are effective and cause few adverse reactions. Diuretic drugs are prescribed in combination with sartans and ACE inhibitors. In old age, it is recommended to take loop and thiazide diuretics.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin, which causes high blood pressure. Tablets are prescribed more often than other medications because they are well tolerated by patients and effectively reduce blood pressure. In old age, ACE inhibitors should be used only in extreme cases, since they quickly reduce blood pressure, which can be dangerous for an older patient. The tablets are taken at risk of hypertensive crisis. Taking ACE inhibitors is fraught with the development of a large number of adverse reactions in the body.
- Slow calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by clearing calcium deposits from the heart and blood vessels. The tablets are well tolerated by patients, they are safe and highly effective, but cause many adverse reactions from the functioning of internal organs.
- Sartans are the newest drugs that are prescribed in old age for hypertensive crisis. They quickly lower blood pressure, maintain normal levels throughout the day, and practically do not cause adverse reactions. With the help of sartans, you can restore heart rhythm, reduce the level of urate in the blood, and prevent the development of acute cerebrovascular accident. The tablets are not addictive.
The specialist may prescribe other medications in parallel: nitrates, myotropic antispasmodic tablets, sympatholytic drugs. To safely and quickly normalize blood pressure, it is recommended to take tablets with herbal composition: sedatives, herbal remedies, alternative medicine preparations. All medications for hypertension in older adults can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Groups of drugs for blood pressure
How to choose blood pressure pills
It is impossible to completely cure hypertension, since the disease, having worsened once, remains in the patient’s body forever. You can only relieve the pain syndrome and prolong the remission stage with medication. The main thing is to choose the right medications, taking into account contraindications and potential side effects. To exclude a sharp deterioration in general well-being, doctors pay attention to the following selection criteria:
- Pharmacological group. There are many medications with an antihypertensive effect; they are conventionally divided into groups and differ in their local effect. For example, diuretics have a diuretic effect and, when removing excess fluid from the body, reduce high blood pressure, while ACE inhibitors have a greater effect on the permeability of vascular walls and increase the diameter of the vascular lumen.
- Active components. It is important to understand that plant substances act gently, but differ only in their selective effect on the site of pathology. Synthetic components are fast-acting, but after penetration into the body they often cause side effects and worsen the patient’s general well-being. Do not forget about the so-called “addictive effect”, so the composition of the drugs will have to be changed regularly.
- Manufacturer. Many patients choose new generation treatments that have undergone clinical trials. Their action is quick, but the consequences of treatment are sometimes difficult to predict. Doctors do not exclude the pharmacological prescription of time-tested pills, real reviews of the action of which can be found on thematic sites of the World Wide Web.
- Duration of reception. The pharmacy has instant pills that a patient in the relapse stage needs to save his life and get rid of an attack of pain. Doctors do not rule out oral administration of medications with antihypertensive effects for a long time - a full course. In the latter case, we are talking about a cumulative effect, when blood pressure does not increase after discontinuation of conservative treatment. In both cases, you must follow your doctor's instructions.
- Price. In this matter, it is advisable not to skimp on your health, but to buy effective remedies for high blood pressure. It so happens that budget analogues are distinguished by a selective therapeutic effect, provide short-term results with the same list of contraindications and side effects. If a specialist recommends a medication at a high price, it is important to ensure that it is purchased at a pharmacy and that intensive therapy is started in a timely manner.
The best medications for hypertension
The best medications for blood pressure are usually considered to be those drugs that demonstrate the highest efficiency parameters without pronounced side effects. The following have gained particular popularity:
- ACE inhibitors (ACE inhibitors);
- Diuretics;
- Calcium blockers (we are talking about third-generation drugs);
- A group of antiotensin receptor blockers, sartans.
These groups of medications normalize blood pressure, eliminate painful symptoms and improve the patient’s well-being in a short time. When using medications, it is worth considering that a single dose will not solve the problem. Treatment must be comprehensive and carried out over a long period of time.
Important! Any medications have a number of contraindications, so their uncontrolled use is strictly prohibited. With the wrong selection of funds and incorrectly calculated dosage, as a rule, a lot of complications arise. Only a doctor should prescribe medications.
Price
Tablets for high blood pressure are cheaper to order and buy in an online store, since their cost on virtual resources is much lower. Such sites offer fast delivery, so you can receive your order within 2–3 days. If you urgently need to stop an acute attack, city pharmacies also have powerful medications that are inexpensive, but the effect on the affected vessels is quick. Below are low prices in Moscow:
Name of the fast-acting medication | Price, rubles |
Renipril | 50 |
Amprilan | 80 |
Cordaflex | 90 |
Lizoril | 100 |
Kapoten | 150 |
Loseral | 200 |
Pheniramine maleate | 220 |
Methyldopa | 220 |
Valsacor | 250 |
Aprovel | 350 |
Which blood pressure medicine is best for older people?
The difficulty of treating hypertension in patients over 60 years of age lies in the presence of a number of concomitant pathologies, as well as the high likelihood of developing serious and even life-threatening conditions. The main blood pressure medications for older people, a list of the most effective medications, as well as features of treatment for elderly patients are further in the article.
Blood pressure medications for older people should not only normalize blood pressure, but also prevent complications and be compatible with other medications aimed at treating concomitant pathologies, and also have a minimum number of side effects.