ANTIHYPERTENSIVES

The hypotensive effect of antihypertensives can be enhanced by other antihyperten- sives, as would be expected. Although first-dose hypotension (dizziness, light- headedness, fainting) can occur with some combinations (e.g. see ACE inhibitors and alpha blockers), the additive effects are usually clinically useful. Perhaps of more concern is the use of antihypertensives with drugs that have hypotension as an adverse effect, where the effects may not be anticipated or deliberately sought. The situation with alcohol is slightly more complex. Chronic moderate to heavy drinking raises blood pressure and reduces, to some extent, the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. A few patients taking antihypertensives may experience postural hypotension, dizziness and fainting shortly after having an alcoholic drink. See also alpha blockers, beta blockers, and calcium-channel blockers, for more specific information on these individual groups.
Patients with hypertension who are moderate to heavy drinkers should be encouraged
to reduce their intake of alcohol. It may then become possible to reduce the dosage of
the antihypertensive. It should be noted that epidemiological studies show that
regular light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of
cardiovascular disease. Drugs where hypotension is the main effect include:
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Aliskiren
  • Alpha blockers
  • Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
  • Beta blockers
  • Calcium-channel blockers
  • Clonidine
  • Diazoxide
  • Diuretics
  • Guanethidine
  • Hydralazine
  • Methyldopa
  • Minoxidil
  • Moxonidine
  • Nitrates
  • Nitroprusside Drugs where hypotension is a significant adverse effect include:
  • Alcohol
  • Aldesleukin
  • Alprostadil
  • Antipsychotics
  • Dopamine agonists ( e.g. apomorphine, bromocriptine, pergolide)
  • Levodopa
  • MAOIs
  • Moxisylyte
  • Nicorandil
  • Tizanidine
    Antimuscarinics
    Remember that other drugs, (e.g. clozapine, nefopam, tricyclic antidepressants) have antimuscarinic adverse effects, and therefore may interact similarly.
  • (58)
    This site is intended for general information only. The information provided on this site does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon. You should not act or refrain from acting on any legal or medical matter based on the content of this site.
    © 2006-2025 medpill.info Last Updated On: 06/10/2025 (0)
    ×
    Wait 20 seconds...!!!