Consider drug therapy only in patients with average DBP over 100 mm Hg checked on at least 3 occasions over 6 months in spite of changed lifestyle. Drug therapy is indicated for all those with end organ damage. A stepped approach is recommended for choice of antihypertensive drugs.
Recommended Step-up Care
Step One |
Hydrochlorothiazide (O) 12.5-25 mg once daily. |
Step Two |
Hydrochlorothiazide (O) 25 mg daily |
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Plus |
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Methyldopa (O) 250 mg two to three times a day |
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OR |
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Propranolol (O) 160-320 mg once daily |
Step Three |
Captopril (O) 12.5-25 mg 3 times per day |
NOTE ß-blockers may be tried but efficacy in black patients is believed to be unreliable. |