Vasodilators

Question 1

What is a vasodilator?

Answer 1

A broad term for a set of medications used to vasodialate the arterioles lowering blood pressure, decreasing angina, decreasing HF, MI, pheochromocytoma, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary HTN, etc.

Question 2

Hydralazine MOA

Answer 2

Selective to dialte arterioles
Postural hypotension is minimal

Question 3

Hydralazine Therapeutic uses

Answer 3

HTN
Hypertensive crisis
HF

Question 4

Hydralazine Side Effects

Answer 4

Reflexive tachycardia
Increased blood volume
Lupus-like syndrome (joint pain, fever, etc)
HA, dizzy, weakness, fatigue

Question 5

Hydralazine Interactions

Answer 5

OTHER antihypertensive agents

**Hydralazine + Beta-Adrenergic Blocker added to protect against reflexive tachycardia and with diuretics to prevent sodium and water retention and expansion of blood volume. **

Question 6

Minoxidil MOA

Answer 6

Selective dilation of arterioles

More intense dilation than hydralazine but causes more severe adverse reactions
Last line before other drugs to be used to lower BP

Question 7

Minoxidil Side Effects

Answer 7

Reflexive Tachycardia
Sodium and Water retention
Hypertrichosis
Pericardial effusion (rare)

Question 8

Sodium Nitroprusside (Nipride) MOA

Answer 8

Potent and efficacious vasodilator, VERY FAST causing BOTH arteriole and venous dilation

Question 9

Sodium Nitroprusside (Nipride) Considerations

Answer 9

MINIMAL reflexive tachycardia
When D/ced BP returns to normal

Question 10

Sodium Nitroprusside (Nipride) Therapeutic Uses

Answer 10

Surgery, HTN emergencies via IV infusion ONLY

Question 11

Sodium Nitroprusside (Nipride) Side Effects

Answer 11

Excessive HYPOtension
Cyanide poisoning