What is furosemide, and what is it used for? Furosemide (Lasix) is a potent diuretic (water pill) that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body. In the kidneys, salt (composed of sodium and chloride), water, and other small molecules normally are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the …
Read More »
Hydralazine vs. hydrochlorothiazide: What’s the difference? Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure (CHF). Hydralazine is also used to treat hypertensive crisis. Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome. A brand name for hydrochlorothiazide …
Read More »
Hydralazine vs. clonidine: What’s the difference? Hydralazine and clonidine are used to treat high blood pressure. Hydralazine is also used to treat hypertensive crisis and congestive heart failure (CHF). Clonidine is also used off-label to treat alcohol withdrawal, smoking cessation, restless leg syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, and opioid withdrawal. Hydralazine and clonidine belong to different drug classes. Hydralazine is a peripheral …
Read More »
What are the common types of high blood pressure (hypertension) medications? There are a number of types and classes of drugs available for the management and treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Your doctor or other health care professional will prescribe a drug that fits your specific needs based on your medical condition, and any other existing health problems you …
Read More »
What is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for? Vaseretic is a combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). 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 …
Read More »
What is captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for? Capozide is a combination of captopril (Capoten) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a diuretic (water pill), respectively, and is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes …
Read More »
What are the differences between metolazone and thiazide diuretics? Metolazone and thiazide diuretics are diuretics ("water pills") used to treat high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. Brand names for metolazone include Zaroxolyn, Mykrox, and Diulo. Side effects of metolazone and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, and increased …
Read More »
What are the differences between indapamide and thiazide diuretics? Indapamide and thiazides are diuretics (water pills) used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and accumulation of excess fluid (edema), which may result from congestive heart failure. Side effects of indapamide and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), muscle weakness, low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), increased uric acid …
Read More »
What are ACE inhibitors, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical produced by the body that primarily circulates in the blood. It causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure within the vessels causing increases in blood pressure (hypertension). Angiotensin …
Read More »
What is valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? WARNING [update 10/15/2019]: Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a warning letter to Torrent Pharmaceuticals in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Torrent manufactures losartan potassium tablets and has been one subject of an ongoing global investigation into nitrosamine impurities in angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan, losartan …
Read More »