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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Properties, individual vasodilators have different uses. Vasodilators are most commonly prescribed to treat the following conditions. High Blood Pressure The vasodilators that are more specific to arteries are used to treat high blood pressure. These include calcium channel blockers, RAAS blockers, hydralazine, and minoxidil. Hydralazine and minoxidil are not first-line therapies, but they are used in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure that has not been responsive to other treatments. Angina and Heart Attack Nitroglycerin and the long-acting nitrate medication isosorbide mononitrate are used in the treatment of angina, which is chest pain related to narrowing of the coronary arteries. Nitrates dilate veins and coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart. Pulmonary Hypertension Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists are types of vasodilators used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH). They dilate blood vessels in the lungs to lower the elevated blood pressure in PH. Administration Vasodilators can be given in various forms: Sublingual (under the tongue) and oral spray formulations are rapidly absorbed and commonly used for the treatment of angina and heart attackOral medication taken as a pillIntravenous infusion is required in some drug formulations to treat pulmonary hypertension, hypertensive emergency, and preeclampsiaTransdermal patches and ointment formulations of nitrates may be used for treating anginaTachyphylaxis in NitratesOne important thing to note about nitrovasodilators is the concept of tachyphylaxis. Over time, the body develops tolerance to nitrates, and higher and higher doses are required to achieve the same effect. To avoid this, a nitrate-free period is built into the administration. For example, if you are prescribed a nitrate patch, you may be told to remove it overnight to avoid developing tachyphylaxis. Side Effects As a drug class, vasodilators can cause several side effects, some of which may be serious. These can include:Low blood pressureHeadacheFast heart rate (tachycardia)Dizziness or lightheadednessWeaknessFlushingNausea and vomitingAnaphylaxis or allergic reactionSkin reaction, especially with transdermal formulationsAdditional Side EffectsDifferent vasodilators each have their own specific side effects beyond those mentioned. If you are experiencing new symptoms after starting a vasodilator, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Interactions Vasodilators have a few important drug interactions. Any other blood pressure-lowering medication in combination with a vasodilator can cause further lowering of blood pressure. Sometimes this is done intentionally, such as when hydralazine is given in combination with other medications to treat resistant hypertension. In other circumstances, this can lead to unwanted side effects, such as dizziness, when using an alpha blocker for enlarged prostate in combination with blood pressure medications.Combining vasodilators can be dangerous. For example, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor for erectile dysfunction should never be taken in combination with a nitrate due to the risk of severe drop in blood
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