There are several classes of medications available for the treatment of hypertension in the elderly, of which alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, CCBs, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs are the most commonly prescribed, as well as combination agents.

What blood pressure medication is best for the elderly?

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ARBs are considered the alternative first-line treatment for hypertension in the elderly population when a diuretic is contraindicated. In elderly hypertensive patients with diabetes or HF, ARBs are considered first-line treatment and an alternative to ACE inhibitors.

What drug class is used for high blood pressure?

The classes of blood pressure medications include: Diuretics. Beta-blockers. ACE inhibitors.

What is most commonly prescribed drug class for older adults?

Among U.S. adults aged 60–79, the most commonly used types of prescription drugs were lipid-lowering drugs (45.0%), antidiabetic agents (23.6%), beta blockers (for high blood pressure or heart disease, 22.3%), ACE inhibitors (21.3%), and proton pump inhibitors (16.9%).

What class of medications is the first-line of action for hypertension?

The new approach recommended by the British Hypertension Society is that first-line therapy in patients over 55 should be a calcium channel blocker or a thiazide-type diuretic. For patients who are younger than 55, ACE inhibitors are the first-line drug of choice.

Is Norvasc good for elderly?

The results of clinical trials support the use of long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers in the elderly; amlodipine has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in the elderly population.

What is the most common drug for high blood pressure?

What are the most common blood pressure medications?

• the angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan (Diovan) in the lead for high blood pressure medications,
• the beta-blocker metoprolol,
• the generic combination of valsartan and HCTZ,
• olmesartan (Benicar), and.
• olmesartan and HCTZ (Benicar HCT).

Is a class of drugs administered to lower blood pressure?

There are several classes of drugs designed to reduce blood pressure (also called antihypertensive drugs or simply antihypertensives). The following are the most commonly used antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors. Beta blockers.

What is a thiazide diuretic drug?

Thiazide diuretics are drugs that cause both natriuresis (removal of sodium in the urine) and diuresis. Thiazide diuretics work by blocking sodium and chloride (Na/Cl) channels in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron and inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and water.

Is Amlodipine a diuretic?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

What is the average number of medications taken by elderly?

The statistics on medication usage among elderly patients in the US are eye-opening: more than one-third of prescriptions drugs used in the US are taken by elderly patients; the ambulatory elderly fill between 9-13 prescriptions a year (including new prescriptions and refills); the average elderly patient is taking

Which medication is generally recommended to be avoided in the elderly?

AVOID products that contain the antihistamines diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (AllerChlor, Chlor-Trimeton). These medications are often included in OTC remedies for coughs, colds, and allergies. AVOID OTC sleep products, like Tylenol PM, which contain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.

What percent of the elderly are on medication?

Nearly nine in ten (89%) adults 65 and older report they are currently taking any prescription medicine. This compares to three-fourths of 50-64 year olds who report taking prescription drugs, half (51%) of 30-49 year olds, and four in ten (38%) 18-29 year olds.

What class of drug is amlodipine?

Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood to the heart.

Is amlodipine first-line?

Results: Amlodipine has good efficacy and safety, in addition to strong evidence from large randomised controlled trials for cardiovascular event reduction. Conclusions: Amlodipine should be considered a first-line antihypertensive agent.

What is the first drug of choice for uncomplicated hypertension?

Low-dose thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 to 25 mg/d) are the best first-line pharmacotherapy for treating uncomplicated hypertension (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on randomized trials [RCTs] and 1 meta-analysis).