high blood pressure

Calcium Channel Blockers, CCBs Brand Names & Side Effects

What are calcium channel blockers and how do they work? In order to pump blood, the heart needs oxygen. The harder the heart works, the more oxygen it requires. Angina (heart pain) occurs when the supply of oxygen to the heart is inadequate for the amount of work that the heart must do. By dilating …

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Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is bisoprolol? What is bisoprolol used for? Bisoprolol is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Bisoprolol prevents the neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with other nerves), norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline), from binding to beta receptors on nerves. Bisoprolol belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents that also includes propranolol …

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Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) vs. ACE Inhibitors

Calcium channel blockers vs. ACE inhibitors: What’s the difference? Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are also used to relieve or prevent angina (chest pain), to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms, and to treat migraine headaches. ACE inhibitors are also used to treat left ventricular dysfunction …

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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) vs. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Angiotensin II receptor blockers vs. calcium channel blockers: What’s the difference? Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used to treat high blood pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are also used to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, and they may also prevent …

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amlodipine & valsartan (Exforge) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is amlodipine and valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Exforge is a combination of two drugs used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), amlodipine and valsartan. The FDA approved Exforge in June 2007. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells …

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Enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is enalapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Enalapril is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure. It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the arteries in the body to narrow, …

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Bumetanide (Bumex) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is bumetanide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bumetanide is a potent diuretic (water pill) that causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining fluid. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption of sodium and fluid from the kidney's tubules. It is in a class of diuretics called "loop" diuretics which also includes …

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Lotrel (amlodipine/benazepril) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What are the uses for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with either of its constituent drugs alone. What brand names are available for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel Is amlodipine and benazepril available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for amlodipine and benazepril? …

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metolazone (Zaroxolyn) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is metolazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metolazone is a diuretic ("water pill") used in the treatment of high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. It works by blocking salt and fluid retention by the kidneys, thereby increasing urinary output of salt and water (diuresis). Although it is not a true thiazide, metolazone is chemically related to …

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Chlorthalidone Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What brand names are available for chlorthalidone? Hygroton, Thalitone (both discontinued in U.S.A.) Is chlorthalidone available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for chlorthalidone? Yes What are the uses for chlorthalidone? Chlorthalidone is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). What are the side effects of …

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