Other Medicines for High Blood Pressure


Alpha-adrenergic blockers (alpha-blockers)

Generic Name Brand Name
doxazosin Cardura
prazosin Minipress
terazosin Hytrin

Central alpha-adrenergic agonists

Generic Name Brand Name
clonidine Catapres

Direct vasodilators

Generic Name

How It Works

These medicines lower high blood pressure by opening up (dilating) the blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily, which lowers blood pressure.

Some of these medicines need to be combined with other medicines to counteract the body's natural tendency to retain fluid and increase heart rate when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Why It Is Used

These drugs often are used in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure when first-line medicines alone do not control blood pressure. They might be used if a person is in a hypertensive crisis.

These medicines are used to treat other health problems, too.

How Well It Works

These medicines are effective in helping reduce blood pressure. They are usually not used as the first medicine but are added on to other therapies. footnote 1

Side Effects


Here are some important things to think about:


Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

  • Trouble breathing.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Hives.

Common side effects include:

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Increased or irregular heart rate.
  • Headache.


What To Think About

For tips on taking blood pressure medicine, see:

High Blood Pressure: Taking Medicines Properly.

Taking medicine



Advice for women









ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Current as ofFebruary 20, 2015