Some Antihypertensive Drugs* for High Blood Pressure in Children
Type | Examples | Some Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
Beta-blocker | Atenolol | Slow heart rate, problems with electrical conduction in the heart, dizziness, fatigue, or wheezing (when given at high doses) |
Alpha-agonist | Clonidine | Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness |
Alpha-beta blocker | Labetalol | Low blood pressure when the child stands, swelling, slow heart rate |
— | Captopril | Common side effects: Cough, headache, dizziness Severe side effects: Serious injury to a fetus, increased potassium level in the blood, kidney injury, angioedema (allergic swelling that affects the face, lips, and windpipe and may interfere with breathing) |
Enalapril | ||
Lisinopril | ||
— | Candesartan | Common side effects: Headache, dizziness Severe side effects: Serious injury to a fetus, increased potassium level in the blood, kidney injury |
Losartan | ||
Valsartan | ||
Dihydropyridines | Amlodipine | Common side effects: Flushing, dizziness, swelling of the lower legs or hands Severe side effect: Angioedema |
Isradipine | ||
Nifedipine (extended-release tablet only) | ||
— | Chlorothiazide | Common side effects: Dizziness, decreased potassium level in the blood, increased blood sugar Severe side effects: Heart rhythm changes, sudden yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pancreatitis |
Chlorthalidone | ||
Hydrochlorothiazide | ||
Direct | Hydralazine | Headache, dizziness |
Minoxidil | Common side effects: Dizziness, hairiness, fluid retention Severe side effects: Heart failure, fluid retention in the lungs (pulmonary edema), Stevens-Johnson syndrome | |
* These drugs are given by mouth. | ||