Classification of Anti-hypertensives

Antihypertensive drugs are classified based on their mechanism of action. Here’s a classification along with structural examples:

1. Diuretics

• Thiazide Diuretics:
• Example: Hydrochlorothiazide
• Structure: Thiazide nucleus with a sulfonamide group.

• Loop Diuretics:
• Example: Furosemide
• Structure: Contains a sulfonamide group and a carboxyl group at the 4-position.

• Potassium-Sparing Diuretics:
• Example: Spironolactone
• Structure: Steroidal structure with a lactone ring at the 17th carbon position.

2. Beta-Adrenergic Blockers (Beta-Blockers)

• Non-selective Beta-Blockers:
• Example: Propranolol
• Structure: Naphthalene group with a secondary amine side chain.

• Selective Beta-Blockers:
• Example: Atenolol
• Structure: Aryloxypropanolamine structure with a polar substituent at the para position.

3. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

• Dihydropyridines:
• Example: Amlodipine
• Structure: Dihydropyridine ring system.

• Non-Dihydropyridines:
• Example: Verapamil
• Structure: Phenylalkylamine structure with an amine group attached to a benzene ring.

4. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

• Example: Enalapril
• Structure: Contains a proline ring and an ester group.

5. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

• Example: Losartan
• Structure: Biphenyl tetrazole structure with an imidazole ring.

6. Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers

• Example: Prazosin
• Structure: Quinazoline derivative with a furan ring.

7. Centrally Acting Alpha-2 Agonists

• Example: Clonidine
• Structure: Imidazoline ring system with a dichlorobenzene ring.

8. Direct Renin Inhibitors

• Example: Aliskiren
• Structure: Contains a non-peptidic structure with a hydroxyl group and a decahydroisoquinoline ring.

9. Vasodilators

• Example: Hydralazine
• Structure: Phthalazine derivative.

This classification highlights both the mechanisms and representative structures of each antihypertensive category.