What medication class is typically used to manage hypertension?

The medication class used to manage hypertension is antihypertensives. Antihypertensives are specifically designed to lower blood pressure and help prevent complications associated with high blood pressure, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. These medications work through various mechanisms to relax blood vessels, decrease blood volume, or block signals that constrict blood vessels, ultimately leading to improved blood flow and reduced workload on the heart.

In contrast, other medication classes listed have distinct purposes; for example, antidiabetics are used to manage blood glucose levels in people with diabetes, antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and antidepressants address mood disorders. While those medications play critical roles in their respective domains, they are not intended for the treatment of hypertension, underscoring the importance of using antihypertensives specifically for managing high blood pressure effectively.