| name: | Vasodilators |
| also known as: | Hydralazine (Apresoline); Minoxidil (Loniten); Sodium Nitroprusside; Diazoxide; Calcium Channel Blockers (Nifedipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem); Afterload Reducers |
| also see: | Alpha Blockers; Beta Blockers; Guanethidine; Diuretics; Ace Inhibitors; Ace II Inhibitors; High Blood Pressure Medicine; High Blood Pressure |
| description: | The vasodilators are a group of high blood pressure medicines that work to lower the peripheral vascular resistance as the blood flows through the body. A lowered peripheral vascular resistance lowers the blood pressure, especially the diastolic blood pressure. Lowered resistance also makes the work of the heart reduced, that is, it reduces cardiac output. There are several types of vasodilators but all of them have one thing in common, they relax arterial smooth muscle which allows the vessels to open up. For a detailed description of the vasodilators, go to Also Known As above and click on the highlighted drug of interest. |
| signs & symptoms: | Side effects of the vasodilators vary depending upon which drug is used. High blood pressure can be divided into three stages: Stage 1 - Mild: Systolic BP 140-159 and/or Diastolic BP 90-99 Stage 2 - Moderate: Systolic BP 160-180 and/or Diastolic BP 100-110 Stage 3 - Severe: Systolic BP > 180 and/or Diastolic BP > 110 |
| treatment: | Usually given orally. Can be given intravenously. Also see Rx verapamil (calan, covera, isoptin verelan) Also see Rx diltiazem. Also see Rx nifedipine (procardia) Also see Rx milrinone (primacor) Also see hydralazine (apresoline) |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If you have questions, problems, or concerns regarding any medication |
| go to: | Go to the phone and ask your pharmacist or your doctor, or go to the doctor. |
Last updated 8/3/2009