Vasodilators are medications that cause dilation of the blood vessels. These medications are primarily used in the control of high blood pressure; however, in the case of minoxidil, what started out as a side effect (increased/excessive hair growth) has now been turned into the main marketing factor.

Vasodilators

Brand/Generic Drug Names

Hyperstat/diazoxide, Apresoline/hydralazine, Minodyl/minoxidil, Nipride/nitroprusside

Common uses

hypertension, chronic refractory congestive heart failure

Pharmacology

direct vasodilating effect on vascular smooth muscle, reducing blood pressure

Class contraindications

allergy, others vary by drug

Class precautions

renal disease, others vary by drug

Interactions

Increased antihypertensive effect: antihypertensives

Adverse Reactions

congestive heart failure,EKG changes, diarrhea, headache, nausea, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, pleural or cardiac effusions, itching, rash, tachycardia, vomiting

Additional Information

Assess blood, renal studies
Assess for edema, signs of congestive heart failure, renal symptoms
Evaluate therapeutic response: decreased blood pressure, edema, moist rales

Date of most recent Update

September 11, 2002

Further information is available in the writeup for the specific name(s) of this medication class

Vas`o*di*lat"or (?), a.[L. vas a vessel + dilator.] Physiol.

Causing dilation or relaxation of the blood vessels; as, the vasodilator nerves, stimulation of which causes dilation of the blood vessels to which they go. These nerves are also called vaso-inhibitory, and vasohypotonic nerves, since their stimulation causes relaxation and rest.

 

© Webster 1913.