Vasodilators

Cardiovascular

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Examples

hydralazineminoxidil

Prefix / Suffix: No consistent suffix

Physiology

Vasodilators act directly on blood vessels, mainly arteries, reducing resistance to blood flow.

Mechanism of Action

They relax arteriolar smooth muscle, decreasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure.

Indications

Hypertension
Heart failure

Side Effects / Adverse Effects

Hypotension (due to vasodilation)
Reflex tachycardia (compensatory response)
Fluid retention (activation of RAAS)
Headache (due to vasodilation)

Contraindications

Severe hypotension

Nursing Considerations

Monitor BP closely; rapid drops can occur (especially IV forms)
Assess HR; reflex tachycardia is common (may require beta blocker)
Monitor for edema and weight gain (fluid retention due to RAAS activation)
Often given with diuretics + beta blockers (prevents fluid retention and tachycardia — commonly tested combo)
With hydralazine: watch for lupus-like symptoms such as joint pain or rash (specific high-yield adverse effect)

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Disclaimer: PharmPal Nurse is for education only and is not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make patient-care decisions; always verify with current drug references, your instructor, facility policy, and a licensed provider. In emergencies, call local emergency services.