Classification: Central Adrenergic Inhibitors
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Inhibits vasoconstriction by stimulating cardiovascular center in the brain, decreasing outflow of sympathetic nervous system
Medications:
  • Clonidine (Catapres)
  • Methyldopa (Aldomet)
  • Guanabenz (Wytensin)
  • Guanfacine (Tenex)

Classification: Alpha-Adrenergic blockers
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Inhibits action of alpha-receptors in vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation
Medications:
  • Mini-pres (Prazosin)
  • Cardura (Doxazosin)
  • Phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline)
  • Phentolamine (Regitine)
  • Ergotamine (Ergomar)

Classification: Beta-Adrenergic Blockers
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Competes with epinephrine to occupy beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and CN
Medications:
  • Esmolol (Brevibloc)
  • Propranolol (Inderal)
  • Metoprolol (Lopressor)
  • Nadolol (Corgard)
  • Timolol (Blocadren)
  • Atenolol (Tenormin)

Classification: Calcium Channel Blockers
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Blocks the flow of calcium ions through the cell membrane
Medications:
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
  • Nicardipine (Cardene)
  • Nifedipine (Procardia/Adalat)
  • Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
  • Amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)

Classification: Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Reduces vascular wall tone through reduction of sympathetic nervous system stimulation of blood vessels
Medications:
  • Guanadrel sulfate (Hylorel)
  • Guanethidine monosulfate (Ismel)
  • Reserpine (Serpasil)

Classification: Vasodilators
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Relaxation of smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls to cause peripheral vasodilation
Medications:
  • Diazoxide (Hyperstat IV)
  • Hydralazine (Apresoline)
  • Minoxidil (Loniten)
  • Sodium Nitroprusside (Nipride, Nitropress)

Classification: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Reduces blood pressure by blocking conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Medications:
  • Captopril (Capoten)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
  • Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
  • Ramipril (Altace)

Classification: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Reduces blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II stimulation and inhibiting Aldosterone release
Medications:
  • Losartan (Cozaar)
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
  • Valsartan (Diovan)

Classification: Renin blockers
Mechanism of Action: 
  • Reduces blood pressure by blocking renin stimulation of angiotensinogen and inhibiting the RAAS
Medications:
  • Aliskiren (Tekturna)

Last modified: Thursday, 13 March 2025, 5:17 PM