Which drug class is considered the drug of choice for managing hypertension in a patient with asthma?

Calcium channel blockers are often considered the drug of choice for managing hypertension in patients with asthma due to their favorable side effect profile in this population. Unlike beta-blockers, which can provoke bronchospasm and exacerbate asthma symptoms, calcium channel blockers do not have adverse effects on airway responsiveness and can effectively lower blood pressure. They work by inhibiting calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced heart rate, making them effective antihypertensives.

In patients with asthma, it is crucial to avoid medications that could worsen their respiratory condition, which is why calcium channel blockers are preferred over other classes, such as beta-blockers, which could potentially trigger asthma exacerbations. Diuretics and ACE inhibitors, while useful in various hypertension scenarios, do not specifically address the unique considerations needed for asthmatic patients. Therefore, calcium channel blockers present an appropriate and safe choice for managing hypertension in individuals with underlying asthma.