Question

Which are the drugs for 3^rd line treatment of hypertension?

(a) Diuretic

(b) Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

(c) Increase drug dose

(d) Need further studies

I had been asked this question in an internship interview.

The above asked question is from Histamine, Bradykinin and Their Antagonists topic in chapter Histamine, Bradykinin and their Antagonists, Pharmacotherapy of Gastric Ulcer, Peptic Ulcer of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Increase drug dose

Explanation: Third line treatment is increasing drug dose or substitute another drug or add a second drug from another class. 1^st line treatment should continue with lifestyle modification, initial drug selection should be diuretic, beta-blocker. If inadequate, continue to second-line treatment which includes adding drugs such as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor, Calcium Channel Blocker, Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB), α- blocker, α- and β-blocker.