Antihypertensive Drugs_ Common Trade Names and Their Generic Equivalents

Antihypertensive Drugs: Common Trade Names and Their Generic Equivalents

Antihypertensive medications are widely prescribed to manage high blood pressure, and many are available under both generic and brand names. Understanding the trade names of these drugs is crucial for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and patients to ensure proper communication and medication management. This article provides an overview of common antihypertensive drugs and their corresponding trade names.

ACE Inhibitors:

Lisinopril: Prinivil, Zestril

Enalapril: Vasotec

Ramipril: Altace

Benazepril: Lotensin

Quinapril: Accupril

Fosinopril: Monopril

Perindopril: Aceon

Trandolapril: Mavik

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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs):

Losartan: Cozaar

Valsartan: Diovan

Irbesartan: Avapro

Olmesartan: Benicar

Telmisartan: Micardis

Candesartan: Atacand

Azilsartan: Edarbi

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Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs):

Amlodipine: Norvasc

Nifedipine: Procardia, Adalat

Diltiazem: Cardizem, Tiazac

Verapamil: Calan, Isoptin

Felodipine: Plendil

Nisoldipine: Sular

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Beta-Blockers:

Metoprolol: Lopressor, Toprol-XL

Atenolol: Tenormin

Propranolol: Inderal

Carvedilol: Coreg

Bisoprolol: Zebeta

Nebivolol: Bystolic

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Diuretics:

a) Thiazide Diuretics:

Hydrochlorothiazide: Microzide

Chlorthalidone: Thalitone

Indapamide: Lozol

b) Loop Diuretics:

Furosemide: Lasix

Bumetanide: Bumex

Torsemide: Demadex

c) Potassium-Sparing Diuretics:

Spironolactone: Aldactone

Eplerenone: Inspra

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Alpha-Blockers:

Doxazosin: Cardura

Prazosin: Minipress

Terazosin: Hytrin

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Direct Vasodilators:

Hydralazine: Apresoline

Minoxidil: Loniten

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Centrally Acting Agents:

Clonidine: Catapres

Methyldopa: Aldomet

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Renin Inhibitors:

Aliskiren: Tekturna

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Combination Drugs:

Many antihypertensive medications are also available as fixed-dose combinations, combining two or more drugs in a single pill. Some common examples include:

Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide: Zestoretic, Prinzide

Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide: Diovan HCT

Amlodipine/Benazepril: Lotrel

Olmesartan/Amlodipine/Hydrochlorothiazide: Tribenzor

Valsartan/Amlodipine: Exforge

It's important to note that the availability of specific trade names may vary by country and region. Additionally, generic versions of these medications are often available and may be prescribed using their generic names rather than brand names.

Understanding the relationship between generic names and trade names is crucial for several reasons:

Cost: Generic medications are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs, which can significantly impact patient adherence and healthcare costs.

Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may prefer or require generic medications when available.

Avoiding confusion: Patients may be familiar with either the generic or brand name, so healthcare providers should be prepared to discuss both to ensure clear communication.

International variations: Trade names can vary between countries, so knowledge of generic names is essential for global healthcare communication.