Blood Pressure Medications: ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, Beta Blockers & More

ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril) and ARBs (losartan, valsartan) relax vessels and are favorites when diabetes threatens the kidneys. ACE inhibitors cause a dry cough in some people — switching to an ARB often fixes that without losing benefit.

Beta blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol) slow heart rate and are common after heart attacks. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide reduce fluid volume — you may urinate more. Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine) relax arteries and can cause ankle swelling.

When you are sick, tired, and reaching for Advil, it is easy to forget your lisinopril prescription. NSAIDs reduce the kidney-protective effect of ACE inhibitors and ARBs and can spike blood pressure during dehydration. Acetaminophen is often a safer pain choice — confirm with your clinician.

Beta blockers withdrawn abruptly can rebound high heart rate or blood pressure. If cost or side effects are an issue, your care team can taper or switch — never ghost your BP meds because a home reading looked fine once.