Which of the following is a common side effect of antihypertensives?

Hypotension is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications because these drugs are specifically designed to lower blood pressure. Antihypertensives work through various mechanisms, such as dilating blood vessels, reducing heart rate, or decreasing blood volume, all of which can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure. While this is the therapeutic goal of these medications, it can also result in blood pressure dropping too low, especially if the dosage is too high or if the patient is concomitantly using other medications that affect blood pressure.

Monitoring for hypotension is critical, especially when initiating therapy or adjusting doses. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, particularly when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing, a phenomenon known as orthostatic hypotension. Understanding this potential side effect helps healthcare providers educate patients on how to manage and recognize symptoms, as well as when to seek medical advice.