Best Medicines for Hypertension (High BP) in India
High blood pressure needs lifelong management.
Last updated: October 2026
Amlodipine
Use: Calcium channel blocker. Relaxes vessels.
Side effects: Ankle swelling
Side effects: Ankle swelling. Calcium channel blocker. Relaxes vessels.
Telmisartan
Use: ARB. Long acting, with a half-life of about 24 hours, so it is taken once a day. Helps protect the kidneys.
Side effects: Dizziness at the start. Do not use in pregnancy, as it can harm the baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant.
Side effects: Dizziness at the start. Do not use in pregnancy, as it can harm the baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant. ARB. Long acting, with a half-life of about 24 hours, so it is taken once a day. Helps protect the kidneys.
Ramipril
Use: ACE inhibitor. Heart protective.
Side effects: Dry cough, dizziness. Rarely swelling of the lips, tongue or face, which needs emergency help. Not recommended in pregnancy, as it can harm the baby's kidneys.
Side effects: Dry cough, dizziness. Rarely swelling of the lips, tongue or face, which needs emergency help. Not recommended in pregnancy, as it can harm the baby's kidneys. ACE inhibitor. Heart protective.
Atenolol
Use: Beta blocker. Slows heart rate. Not usually a first choice for high BP on its own. Often used when there is also angina or a heart rhythm problem.
Side effects: Tiredness, cold hands and feet, slow heart rate. Do not stop it suddenly without your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have asthma.
Side effects: Tiredness, cold hands and feet, slow heart rate. Do not stop it suddenly without your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have asthma. Beta blocker. Slows heart rate. Not usually a first choice for high BP on its own. Often used when there is also angina or a heart rhythm problem.
When to See a Doctor
If your BP is 140/90 or higher at the clinic, or 135/85 or higher at home, on repeated readings, or you often get headaches or blurred vision, or chest pain that comes and goes. Seek care immediately for a reading of 180/120 or higher with severe headache, dizziness, confusion, vision problems or trouble breathing. Get emergency help at once for sudden chest pain or discomfort that does not go away, whatever your reading.
Related Lab Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask GoDavaii AI About Hypertension (High BP) Medicines
Get personalised medicine guidance, check interactions, and understand dosage in 90+ languages - free.
Ask GoDavaii AISources Checked
The medicines, Indian brands and advice on this page were checked against these treatment guides and product listings.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The medicines listed may require a prescription. Dosage, suitability, and safety depend on individual health conditions. Always consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.