When all factors are considered, including drug efficacy, drug tolerability, side effects, and the cost of drugs, the single best class of antihypertensive medications, and the class recommended by the Joint National Committee on hypertension for initial use by most patients with hypertension is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ]) work as well as any other class of medications used to control blood pressure, are taken once a day, and are inexpensive. The Joint National Committee on hypertension recommends that all patients who are not allergic to thiazides begin their drug treatment of hypertension with thiazides. The other listed medication classes, as well as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are useful adjuncts.

When All Factors Are Considered, Including Drug Efficacy, Drug Tolerability