Direct-Acting Vasodilators
July 2011
in “
The journal of clinical hypertension
”
New to Minoxidil? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This article reviews the use of hydralazine, minoxidil, and sodium nitroprusside in managing hypertension and hypertensive crises, noting specific indications, adverse effects, and the adjunctive therapies needed to mitigate side effects. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
Direct-acting vasodilators, such as hydralazine, minoxidil, and nitrates/nitroprusside, were used to manage hypertension by relaxing various blood vessels. Hydralazine primarily dilated resistance arterioles, increasing cardiac output and often requiring combination with a sympathetic inhibitor and diuretic. Minoxidil, effective for severe hypertension, activated potassium channels in arterial smooth muscle but had significant side effects, including hirsutism. Nitrates and nitroprusside acted as nitric oxide donors, with nitroprusside used in acute settings for hypertensive crises and heart failure. Despite their efficacy, these drugs were typically not first-line treatments due to their side effects and the need for combination therapy.
