{"id":3927,"date":"2022-09-29T13:42:49","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T17:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/medicine\/nephrology-hypertension\/patient-care\/appointments\/hypertension\/patient-education\/know-your-meds\/"},"modified":"2025-04-01T16:24:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T20:24:54","slug":"know-your-meds","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/medicine\/nephrology-hypertension\/patient-care\/clinical-services\/hypertension\/patient-education\/know-your-meds\/","title":{"rendered":"Know Your Meds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Make a complete list of all of your medications. This includes all over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, diet or herbal supplements as well as inhalers and insulin. Make sure to include the name of the medication, the strength (usually in milligrams) and number of tablets (dose) you take, and how often you take it. Always bring this list with you to all of your clinic appointments, emergency department visits and hospital visits. A sample medication list is in the table below. You can use the blank medication lists which is in the \u201cAdditional Information\u201d section of this booklet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Medication Name<\/th>\nStrength<\/th>\nDose<\/th>\nFrequency<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Lisinopril<\/th>\n20 mg<\/td>\n2 tablets<\/td>\nEvery morning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Multivitamin<\/th>\n—<\/td>\n1 tablet<\/td>\nEvery morning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Vitamin C<\/th>\n1000 mg<\/td>\n1 tablet<\/td>\nEvery morning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Remember to take your medications!<\/h2>\n

\"\"Always remember to take all of your medications as instructed by your provider. Some people find that using a pillbox or setting a reminder on their phone helps them remember to take their medication. If you think that using a pillbox will help you remember to take your medications but you can\u2019t afford one, please let us know.<\/p>\n

Choosing the best medication(s)<\/h2>\n

Your provider may prescribe one or more medications to help control your blood pressure. A number of factors will be considered to help determine the best medication(s) for you, including your age, race, laboratory studies, blood pressure goal, other medication use and\/or the presence of other medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure.\"\"<\/p>\n

\nCommon blood-pressure lowering medication(s)<\/h2>\n

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE-I)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Generic Name<\/th>\nDose<\/th>\nHow They Work<\/th>\nSide Effects<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Names ends in \u201cpril\u201d (such as lisinopril or enalapril)<\/td>\n1-2 times per day<\/td>\nLower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and helping blood flow easily<\/td>\nDry cough and increased potassium level are the most common side effects. Kidney function and potassium levels should be checked regularly by your provider. If you have swelling of the face or throat, then stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Generic Name<\/th>\nDose<\/th>\nHow They Work<\/th>\nSide Effects<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Names ends in \u201ctan\u201d (such as losartan or valsartan)<\/td>\n1-2 times per day<\/td>\nLower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and helping blood flow easily<\/td>\nIncreased potassium level is the most common side effect. Kidney function and potassium should be checked regularly by your provider. If you have swelling of the face or throat, stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Calcium Channel Blocker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Generic Name<\/strong><\/th>\nDose<\/strong><\/th>\nHow They Work<\/strong><\/th>\nSide Effects<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Common names include amlodipine, diltiazem and verapamil<\/td>\n1 time per day<\/td>\nLower blood pressure by reducing the amount of calcium that enters the heart and blood vessels, so blood vessels widen and blood can flow easily<\/td>\nHeadache and fluid retention are the most common side effects.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Diuretic (Fluid Pill)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Generic Name<\/th>\nDose<\/th>\nHow They Work<\/th>\nSide Effects<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Common names include furosemide, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide<\/td>\n1-3 times per day<\/td>\nLower blood pressure by removing excess salt and water from the body<\/td>\nFrequent urination, dehydration, and dizziness are the most common side effects. Kidney function and electrolytes should be checked regularly by your provider.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Aldosterone Blocking Agents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Generic Name<\/th>\nDose<\/th>\nHow They Work<\/th>\nSide Effects<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Common names include spironolactone and eplerenone<\/td>\n1-2 times per day<\/td>\nLower blood pressure by reducing excess salt and water from the body<\/td>\nIncreased potassium level is the most common side effect. Kidney function and potassium levels should be checked regularly by your provider. Spironolactone may also cause breast enlargement or tenderness.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Beta Blockers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Generic Name<\/th>\nDose<\/th>\nHow They Work<\/th>\nSide Effects<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Names ends in \u201clol\u201d (examples are metoprolol or carvedilol)<\/td>\n1-2 times per day<\/td>\nLower blood pressure by making your heart beat slower and with less force<\/td>\nFatigue, shortness of breath and fluid retention are the most common side effects. These side effects usually go away with time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Other Medications<\/h3>\n