What are the best medication names for elevated diastolic blood pressure (hypertension)?

From the Guidelines

The most effective medications for treating elevated diastolic blood pressure are ACE inhibitors, ARBs, dihydropyridine CCBs, and diuretics, which have demonstrated the most effective reduction of BP and CVD events, and are therefore recommended as first-line treatments to lower BP 1. When selecting a medication, several options are available, including:

• Thiazide diuretics, such as chlorthalidone 12.5-25mg daily
• Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine 5-10mg daily
• ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril 10-40mg daily
• ARBs, such as losartan 25-100mg daily These medications have been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular disease events, and are recommended as first-line treatments 1. It is also recommended that beta-blockers be combined with any of the other major BP-lowering drug classes when there are other compelling indications for their use, such as angina, post-myocardial infarction, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, or for heart rate control 1. In terms of combination therapy, a RAS blocker (either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB) with a dihydropyridine CCB or diuretic is preferred for most patients with confirmed hypertension (BP ≥140/90 mmHg) as initial therapy 1. Additionally, fixed-dose single-pill combination treatment is recommended for patients receiving combination BP-lowering treatment, and increasing to a three-drug combination is recommended if BP is not controlled with a two-drug combination, usually a RAS blocker with a dihydropyridine CCB and a thiazide/thiazide-like diuretic, and preferably in a single-pill combination 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension Lisinopril tablets USP are indicated for the treatment of hypertension Amlodipine besylate tablets is indicated for the treatment of hypertension

The best medication names for elevated diastolic blood pressure (hypertension) are:

• Losartan 2
• Lisinopril 3
• Amlodipine 4

From the Research

Medication Options for Elevated Diastolic Blood Pressure

The following medications are commonly used to treat elevated diastolic blood pressure:

• Thiazide diuretics, such as chlortalidone or hydrochlorothiazide, which are often recommended as first-line treatment 5, 6, 7
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril, ramipril, or enalapril, which have been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension 5, 8, 7
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), such as losartan or candesartan, which are similar to ACE inhibitors and can be used as an alternative 8, 7
• Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine, which can be used as a first-line treatment or in combination with other medications 5, 6, 7
• Beta-blockers, which can be used to treat diastolic dysfunction and heart failure, but may not be as effective for primary hypertension 9

Combination Therapy

Combination therapy, which involves using multiple medications to treat hypertension, is often necessary to achieve adequate blood pressure control 6. The following combinations are commonly used:

• Thiazide diuretic + ACE inhibitor or ARB
• Thiazide diuretic + calcium channel blocker
• ACE inhibitor or ARB + calcium channel blocker
• Beta-blocker + ACE inhibitor or ARB (for patients with heart failure or diastolic dysfunction)

Specific Medications

Some specific medications that have been shown to be effective in treating elevated diastolic blood pressure include:

• Chlortalidone, which has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension 5
• Ramipril, which has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular outcomes 8
• Losartan, which has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular outcomes 8
• Amlodipine, which has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular outcomes 5, 7