Pharmacotherapy of Hypertension
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Abstract
Hypertension is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality all over the world affecting black population more than the Caucasian population. Hypertension is the leading non-communicable disease in Nigeria with a prevalence rate of 11% amongst adults aged 15 years and above. Most cases of hypertension are classified as idiopathic or primary hypertension for lack known aetiology and generally respond to pharmacotherapy. This article reviews the available drugs used in the control of hypertension emphasis been on pharmacologic classification,
mechanism of action as well as adverse drug reactions associated with their use. Physicians are reminded of the central role of thiazides in lowering
blood pressure and encouraged to watch out for adverse drug reactions as a possible cause of treatment failure.