Anti-Hypertensive Agents

Anti-Hypertensive Agents are drugs used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

• 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

1. Beta-Blockers

• Mechanism: Reduce heart rate and cardiac output by blocking β-adrenergic receptors.
  • Timolol

2. 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

3. Central Alpha-2 Agonists

• Mechanism: Activate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, decreasing sympathetic outflow and reducing blood pressure.
  • Clonidine Hydrochloride
  • Methyldopate Hydrochloride

4. Sympatholytics

• Mechanism: Inhibit the sympathetic nervous system through various pathways, leading to decreased vascular resistance and heart rate.
  • Guanethidine Monosulphate
  • Guanabenz Acetate
  • Reserpine

5. Direct Vasodilators

• Mechanism: Directly relax vascular smooth muscles, causing vasodilation and reducing peripheral resistance.
  • Hydralazine Hydrochloride
  • Minoxidil
  • Sodium Nitroprusside
  • Diazoxide

Summary Table

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