Diuretics
Medication Names: Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
Brand Names: Microzide, Thalitone
Primary Use: Reduces blood volume by increasing urine output
FDA Approval: Yes
ACE inhibitors
Medication Names:Lisinopril, enalapril
Brand Names: Zestril, Vasotec
Primary Use: Relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure
FDA Approval: Yes
Medication Names: Metoprolol, atenolol
Brand Names: Lopressor, Tenormin
Primary Use: Reduces heart rate and cardiac output
FDA Approval: Yes
Calcium channel blockers
Medication Names: Amlodipine, diltiazem
Brand Names: Norvasc, Cardizem
Primary Use: Prevents calcium from entering heart and blood vessel walls
FDA Approval: Yes
ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers)
Medication Names: Losartan, valsartan
Brand Names: Cozaar, Diovan
Primary Use: Blocks angiotensin to relax blood vessels
FDA Approval: Yes
Alpha blockers
Medication Names:Doxazosin, prazosin
Brand Names: Cardura, Minipress
Primary Use: Reduces artery resistance to blood flow
FDA Approval: Yes
Vasodilators
Medication Names: Hydralazine, minoxidil
Brand Names::Apresoline, Loniten
Primary Use: Directly relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure
FDA Approval: Yes
Central agonists
Medication Names:Clonidine, methyldopa
Brand Names: Catapres, Aldomet
Primary Use: Reduces nerve signals that constrict blood vessels
FDA Approval: Yes