Management of hypertension in the young: role of antihypertensive medications

Abstract

Traditionally, antihypertensive medications were used in few children or adolescents, usually just those with underlying renal or other organ system disease. However, with recent data suggesting that the incidence of primary hypertension may be increasing in the young, it is possible that more children and adolescents will be prescribed antihypertensive agents. This article will review currently available pediatric data on the use of calcium channel blockers, agents affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and other classes of antihypertensive medications in children, highlighting appropriate indications and safety considerations. Guidelines for use of antihypertensive medications, including choice of initial agent and how to prescribe appropriately, will be presented.