Hypertension Pharmaceutical Treatment Plan

Hypertension Pharmaceutical Treatment Plan
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Hypertension Pharmaceutical Treatment Plan
Hypertension is a global issue of concern, considering the increased probability of developing the disease. This risk demonstrates the need for appropriate treatment options, despite the public remaining largely unaware of the side effects of medications on patients (Rabi et al., 2020). As a result, a breakdown of the pharmaceutical impact of hypertension drugs on a person is necessary.
Prescription Medications for Hypertension
Prescription drugs for hypertension include Lisinopril, Amlodipine, and HCTZ. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor whose other uses include the treatment of heart failure and kidney problems. Today, it is the third most commonly used prescription drug in the U.S. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker helpful in treating hypertension and coronary artery disease (Khan, 2020). In 2019, there were 73 million prescriptions for it in the United States. HCTZ, known as Hydrochlorothiazide, is a diuretic medicine that health practitioners also use to treat swelling caused by fluid buildup, renal tubular acidosis, and diabetes insipidus. In 2019, more than 38 million prescriptions for HCTZ existed in the U.S.
Nonprescription Medications for Hypertension
There are no over-the-counter medications to treat high blood pressure in the United States because the FDA has approved prescription drugs only for this condition. The FDA’s action stems from the fact that medications to treat this illness have severe side effects, some of which can be life-threatening. However, supplements believed to lower blood pressure exist in the market (Rabi et al., 2020). They have not gone through clinical trials to prove they can do so, and the FDA can only regulate them after they are in the market. As a result, they are not a substitute for hypertension prescription drugs because they cannot treat it.
Monitoring Hypertension
Monitoring patients with hypertension is possible through usual medical care where one undergoes various tests at the hospital. Besides checking for a patient’s blood pressure, physicians may recommend a cholesterol test, urinalysis, echocardiogram, or electrocardiogram (Rabi et al., 2020). The frequency of assessment depends on the rate at which the patient is moving towards the desired blood pressure level. Complications resulting from hypertension or exacerbating it may lead to shortened evaluation intervals. Medical practitioners should also check the effectiveness of the prescriptions on the patient’s health and gauge whether the patient is taking prescription dosages as advised (Rabi et al., 2020). Finally, monitoring includes examining any potential side effects of hypertension medication, which is critical to prevent additional harm to the patient.
Significant Adverse Effects of Hypertension Drugs
The most common side effects associated with the use of Lisinopril for treating hypertension are headaches and dizziness. Other less common reactions to Lisinopril include coughing, difficulty swallowing, hyperkalemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and severe skin reactions (Lopez, 2022). ...