The aim of therapy in case of arterial hypertension is not only lowering blood pressure, but first of all, diminishing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular risk factors probably are greater in children than in adults, as the disease starts early and lasts longer. Rules of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapy are similar to those used in internal medicine. In all patients therapeutic lifestyle changes should establish the base of treatment. In the moment when indications for antihypertensive drug therapy appear paediatricians use the same pattern as accepted in internal medicine. Still we should remember that no data are available on the long-term effects of antihypertensive drugs on growth and development. Acceptable drug classes for use in children include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, b-blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Some drugs have a long history of safety and efficacy and these drugs remain appropriate for paediatric use. It will take longer for paediatricians to have opportunity for use of new therapeutic tools as direct renin inhibitors, new inhibitors of aldosterone receptor or angiotensin immunotherapeutic vaccine.