Consumer Reports best

Drug	Good candidates	Common side effects
Thiazide diuretics Chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, and others	Often the first choice, alone or with other drugs, for most otherwise healthy people.	Frequent urination, low potassium levels, and erectile dysfunction.
ACE inhibitors Benazepril (Lotensin and generic), enalapril (Vasotec and generic), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, and generic), and others	Especially for people with diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke.	Persistent dry cough, high potassium levels, reduced kidney function, and an uncommon allergic reaction (angioedema) especially in black Americans. Not to be taken together with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) Losartan (Cozaar and generic), candesartan (Atacand), and others	People who would otherwise be candidates for ACEIs but can't take them because of excessive coughing.	Similar to ACEIs but less likely to cause coughing. Not to be taken together with an ACEI.
Calcium-channel blockers Amlodipine (Norvasc and generic), diltiazem (Cardizem and generic), and others	Black people and people who also have angina (chest pain), certain heart-rhythm abnormalities, and possibly migraines.	Dizziness, fast or slow heartbeat, flushing, headaches, swollen gums, and, less often, breathing problems.