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Table 117-1

Oral Drugs Commonly Used in Treatment of Hypertension

Drug ClassExamplesUsual Total Daily Dose (Dosing Frequency/Day)Potential Adverse Effects
Diuretics
ThiazidesHydrochlorothiazide6.25-50 mg (1-2)Hypokalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides
Thiazide-likeChlorthalidone25-50 mg (1)same as above
Loop diureticsFurosemide40-80 mg (2-3)Hypokalemia, hyperuricemia
Ethacrynic acid50-100 mg (2-3)
Aldosterone antagonistsSpironolactone25-100 mg (1-2)Hyperkalemia, gynecomastia
Eplerenone50-100 mg (1-2)Hyperkalemia
K+-retainingAmiloride5-10 mg (1-2)
Triamterene50-100 mg (1-2)
Beta blockers
β1-selectiveAtenolol25-100 mg (1-2)Bronchospasm, bradycardia, heart block, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, triglycerides, HDL
Metoprolol25-100 mg (1-2)same as above
NonselectivePropranolol40-160 mg (2)same as above
Propranolol LA60-180 mg (1)same as above
Combined alpha/betaLabetolol200-800 mg (2)Bronchospasm, bradycardia, heart block
Carvedilol12.5-50 mg (2)
ACE inhibitorsCaptopril25-200 mg (2)Cough, hyperkalemia, azotemia, angioedema
Lisinopril10-40 mg (1)
Ramipril2.5-20 mg (1-2)
Angiotensin II receptor blockersLosartan25-100 mg (1-2)Hyperkalemia, azotemia
Valsartan80-320 mg (1)
Candesartan2-32 mg (1-2)
Calcium channel antagonists
DihydropyridinesNifedipine long-acting30-60 mg (1)Edema, constipation
NondihydropyridinesVerapamil long-acting120-360 mg (1-2)Edema, constipation, bradycardia, heart block
Diltiazem long-acting180-420 mg (1)