Recommendations on initial choice of antihypertensive drug - (ABCD rule) as per NICE guidelines

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  In patients aged <55 years, the first choice for initial treatment should be an A drug (ACE inhibitor or an ARB if an ACE inhibitor is not tolerated). 
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   In patients aged >55 years patients , the first choice for initial treatment should be either a C (calcium channel blocker) or a D (thiazide-type diuretic) drug.
   
• B drugs (ß blockers) should be reserved for patients for whom there is a separate indication additional to hypertension, and for combination therapy.
  (Source: BMJ, April 16)