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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Diabetes > Hypertension > hypertension medication
Hypertension - hypertension medication
Expert: Dr. Shabbir Baldiwala - 11/6/2009
Question
Dear Dr. Baldiwala,
My wife is currently taking hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (i belive), but is not very effective. Considering changing it to different type or combining it with different type. I understand there are four types: Diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockers, and Beta Blocker. Like to know which one is the most selected to avoid serious side effects such as effects on heart, kidney, liver, etc. or which is the safest to start with if given a choice in hierarchical order. Please provide your opinion in choice 1 through 4 based on the types mentioned above. One thing like to mention that ACE inhibitor works well at 5mg, but coughing is the problem. Can we try 2.5 or less and combined with hydrochlorothiazide? Can 2.5 minimize coughing? However, we still like to know your preference in hierarchical order. Thanks in advance. -A
Answer
All the antihypertensives have their advantages and disadvantages. Selection of the group is of utmost importance and depends from person to person. If you consider safety as a top priority in drug selection, the profile would be Calcium blockers, ARBs, ACEIs, Diuretics, Beta blockers. Coughing as a side effect of ACEIs is not dose dependent. Please consult your physician for better hypertension management.
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