High blood pressure (hypertension) is extremely common and often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Despite this, uncontrolled hypertension can quietly damage vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes over time.

The good news is that hypertension is highly treatable. Today’s blood pressure medications are safe, effective, and well-studied — and when taken consistently, they significantly reduce long-term health risks.

Why Long-Term Treatment Matters

Because high blood pressure rarely causes immediate symptoms, many people underestimate its impact. However, sustained blood pressure control is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

For most patients, treatment is long term and often lifelong — which is why convenience, tolerability, and medication adherence matter.

Common Classes of Blood Pressure Medications

There is no single “best” blood pressure medication for everyone. Treatment is tailored based on age, lifestyle, and other medical conditions. Below are three commonly prescribed classes of antihypertensive medications.

1. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Common examples include:

• Amlodipine 5mg / 10mg

• Nifedipine LA 30mg

Calcium Channel Blockers work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering blood pressure.

They are particularly effective in older adults and are commonly prescribed due to their once-daily dosing.

Key points to know:

• Usually taken once daily

• Effective for blood pressure control

• Common (usually mild) side effects may include ankle or foot swelling, facial flushing, or headaches

2. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) 

Common examples include:

• Losartan 50mg / 100mg

• Telmisartan 40mg / 80mg

• Valsartan 40mg / 80mg

ARBs lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to tighten. When this hormone is blocked, blood vessels relax and blood pressure falls.

ARBs provide smooth, sustained blood pressure control over 24 hours, with lower blood pressure variability.

Key points to know:

• Provide heart and kidney protection, especially in patients with diabetes

• Losartan helps lower uric acid levels, making it useful for patients with gout

• Telmisartan has a longer duration of action, offering stable 24-hour control

3. Beta Blockers (BBs)

Common examples include:

• Bisoprolol 2.5mg / 5mg

• Atenolol 50mg

Beta Blockers reduce blood pressure by slowing the heart rate and reducing the heart’s workload.

They are not usually first-line for uncomplicated hypertension but are very useful in specific clinical situations.

Key points to know:

• Helpful in patients with:

  • High resting heart rate

  • Heart disease or previous heart attack

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Anxiety-related palpitations

  • Bisoprolol is more heart-selective and commonly taken once daily

  • Possible side effects include fatigue, slower heart rate, cold hands, or reduced exercise tolerance

Hypertension Medication Costs

To support long-term treatment and medication adherence, we have intentionally kept blood pressure medications affordable.

Combination medications (e.g. Hyzaar®, Exforge®) combine two blood pressure medicines into one convenient pill.

They are available at our clinics from $21 to $75 per month, depending on the medication type and dosage prescribed.

Individualised Treatment Is Key 

Many patients require more than one medication to achieve good blood pressure control. Medication choice depends on factors such as:

• Age

• Other medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, gout, heart disease)

• Side-effect profile

• Lifestyle and daily routine

If you have concerns about your medications, side effects, or dosing schedule, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor.

Managing Hypertension, Made Simpler

At District Family Clinics, we provide personalised hypertension management — from medication selection to long-term follow-up. Our clinic team will guide you on eligibility and help you maximise available subsidies.

CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme)

Eligible patients may receive subsidies for chronic disease consultations and medications at our clinics.

MediSave

MediSave can be used for approved chronic disease management under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), subject to prevailing limits.

Healthier SG

Patients enrolled with our clinics under Healthier SG may enjoy enhanced subsidies for chronic disease management, making long-term care more affordable.

Insurance Panels

We work with a range of corporate and personal insurance panels, allowing eligible patients to enjoy cashless consultations or reduced out-of-pocket costs for chronic disease care.

• Panel coverage may include consultations, investigations, and medications

• Terms vary by insurer and policy

Please check with our front desk or contact us to confirm panel eligibility before your visit.

See us at your convenience to review your blood pressure concerns.