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Vasodilators are a class of drugs that function to prevent narrowing of blood vessels. This drug is used to treat health problems related to the heart such as congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and preeclampsia.
Vasodilator drugs work to dilate arteries and veins by relaxing the muscles in the artery walls. Later, the dilated blood vessels will increase blood flow so that it can ease the work of the heart in pumping blood and oxygen.
How vasodilator drugs work
Source: Heart.org
The various types that belong to this class of drugs have different mechanisms in the body, the following are among them:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: this type of vasodilator works by inhibiting the activity of the ACE enzyme which will reduce the production of angiotensin which causes blood vessels to constrict. Several types of drugs including ACE inhibitors are benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (capoten), and enalapril (vasotec, epaned).
- Calcium channel blockers (CCB): heart attack can be caused by straining the muscles of the blood vessels due to the accumulation of plaque from calcium. Calcium channel blockers or calcium antagonists prevent this by blocking calcium from entering the muscle cells. Several types of drugs are amlodipine (Norvasc), clevidipine (cleviprex), and diltiazem (Cardizem).
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): ARB vasodilators function to block angiotensin from sticking to blood vessel muscles. This process will also cause vasodilation. Some of the drugs are azilsartan (Edarbi), candesartan (Atacand), and eprosartan (Teveten).
- Nitrate: Nitrates that enter the body will be converted to nitrogen monoxide. Nitrogen monoxide can encourage other chemicals to help dilate blood vessels. Usually this type of drug is used to treat angina disorders or chest pain. Examples that include this drug are nitroglycerin (Gonitro, Nitrobid, Nitromist, Nitrolingual, Nitrostat, Nitrobid) and isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo, Moneket).
Side effects
Vasodilator drugs that are taken directly are included in the class of hard drugs that will only be used if other treatments have not succeeded in controlling your blood pressure. Of course, this drug also has the following side effects.
- Abnormal heart rate
- Loss of feeling or tingling around the toes and hands
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
If the above side effects appear, you may need additional drugs to overcome them. However, it's a good idea to contact your doctor immediately if the vasodilator medication you are taking causes effects such as fever, chest and joint pain, or bleeding.
The chances of diarrhea will be even higher, especially if you are taking ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors can increase the concentration of lithium in the blood. Excess lithium will also worsen side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, cramps.
In addition, the use of vasodilator drugs will greatly reduce blood pressure. For those of you who have low blood pressure, consumption of this drug can cause headaches.
Things that must be considered before using a vasodilator
Please note, the use of this drug will only help control your blood pressure, but does not completely cure high blood pressure.
We recommend that you consult your doctor first if you want to use it for treatment, also tell if there are other medical conditions you have. Describe any medicines you have previously taken or if you have a substance allergy.
It is advisable not to do activities that require high alertness such as driving because vasodilators can cause dizziness.
Sometimes, there are conditions in patients who are not adequately treated with only one type of antihypertensive drug, so a mixture of two or more types of drugs is often used. However, the combination of ACE inhibitors and ARBs should not be used to avoid the increased risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems.
For those of you who are pregnant, the use of vasodilator types of ACE inhibitors and ARBs is also not recommended to prevent birth defects.
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