Some Antihypertensive Medications* for High Blood Pressure in Children

Adrenergic blockers

Beta-blocker

AtenololAtenolol

Slow heart rate, problems with electrical conduction in the heart, dizziness, depressed mood, poor appetite, fatigue, or wheezing (when given at high doses)

Alpha-agonist

ClonidineClonidine

Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness

Alpha-beta blocker

LabetalolLabetalol

Low blood pressure when the child stands, swelling, slow heart rate

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

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CaptoprilCaptopril

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)

EnalaprilEnalapril

LisinoprilLisinopril

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

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CandesartanCandesartan

Common side effects: Headache, dizziness

Severe side effects: Serious injury to a fetus, increased potassium level in the blood, kidney injury

LosartanLosartan

ValsartanValsartan

Calcium channel blockers

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AmlodipineAmlodipine

Common side effects: Flushing, dizziness, swelling of the lower legs or hands

Severe side effect: Angioedema

IsradipineIsradipine

Nifedipine (extended-release tablet only)Nifedipine (extended-release tablet only)

Thiazide diuretics

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ChlorothiazideChlorothiazide

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

ChlorthalidoneChlorthalidone

HydrochlorothiazideHydrochlorothiazide

Direct vasodilators

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HydralazineHydralazine

Headache, dizziness

MinoxidilMinoxidil

Common side effects: Dizziness, hairiness, fluid retention

Severe side effects: Heart failure, fluid retention in the lungs (pulmonary edema), Stevens-Johnson syndrome