Vasodilators

What are vasodilators?

Vasodilators are drugs that cause the blood vessel walls to widen or relax. This allows blood to flow more easily. Vasodilators are most commonly used to:

help treat heart failure
reduce pain from angina or blocked blood vessels
control high blood pressure.

High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and can weaken the arteries. If untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Vasodilators may be used along with other types of blood pressure drugs.

How do they work?

Vasodilators relax and expand the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and allows more blood to reach the body's tissues. By increasing blood flow, these drugs reduce the heart's workload.

There are several kinds of vasodilators, such as:

Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil), and isosorbide mononitrate (IMDUR), which are used to ease chest pain.
Hydralazine (Apresoline), which is used to treat high blood pressure.
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, which block angiotensin II (an enzyme in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow). Examples include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and quinapril (Accupril). ACE inhibitors can:
- lower high blood pressure
- slow or prevent damage to kidneys in people with diabetes
- slow the progress of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

How can I take care of myself?

These medicines help control high blood pressure, but do not cure it. To help avoid the serious health problems that high blood pressure can cause, you may have to take medicine for the rest of your life. Medicine alone may not be enough. You may also need to avoid certain foods and keep your weight under control. Talk with your health care provider about this.

People who have high blood pressure often feel fine. But even when you feel well, keep appointments your health care provider and keep taking your medicine. Your health care provider will check to make sure the medicine is working properly and will watch for unwanted side effects.

You may feel dizzy or have headaches while taking these medicines. Older people may be more likely than younger people to have side effects. Your health care provider may prescribe another medicine if these side effects are severe.

Do not take any other medicines, including nonprescription products, unless your health care provider approves.

When should I call my health care provider?

Report these side effects to your health care provider right away:

chest pain
general ill feeling
weakness
rash
joint pain.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File MED4276F.HTM Release 9.0/2006