Table 1

Essential medications for hypertension that should be available in all healthcare centres in China

ClassDrug
DiureticFor example, hydrochlorothiazide
ACE inhibitorFor example, lisinopril, quinapril
Angiotensin receptor blockerFor example, telmisartan
Calcium channel blockerFor example, amlodipine
Aldosterone antagonistSpironolactone, eplerenone
Renal sodium channel blockerAmiloride
Beta blockerFor example, bisoprolol*
Alpha blockerFor example, doxazosin
  • *Not metoprolol because of its short duration of action and huge individual differences in metabolism due to copy number variants of CYP2D6.28