Which class of drugs is commonly used to treat hypertension?

Antihypertensives are the class of drugs specifically designed to manage high blood pressure, or hypertension. They work through various mechanisms to lower blood pressure, which is crucial in preventing complications such as stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Antihypertensives can be categorized into several subclasses including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Each subclass employs different pathways to exert their effects, whether by reducing blood volume, blocking hormone action, or relaxing blood vessel walls, thus making them vital tools in the management of hypertension.

While antibiotics target infections, antidepressants help manage mood disorders, and anti-inflammatory drugs deal with inflammation and pain, none of these classes are intended for blood pressure regulation. Therefore, the indication and specific pharmacological action of antihypertensives uniquely qualify them for the treatment of hypertension.