Direct-Acting Vasodilators

Question 1

What do they treat?

Answer 1

HTN

Question 2

How do they accomplish this?

Answer 2

By acting directly on the peripheral vasculature, will act on preload or afterload

Question 3

What are some common drugs?

Answer 3

Hydralazine, Nitroprusside

Question 4

What will it cause on the heart?

Answer 4

Dilation of arteriole (↓ peripheral resistance, ↓ BP, ↑ HR, ↑ contractility of heart)

Question 5

Common S/E?

Answer 5

Tachycardia, H/A, Palpitations

Question 6

Usual dose/route?

Answer 6

IV, IM, or PO

Question 7

What to watch out for?

Answer 7

Severe tachycardia, SLE-like syndrome (facial rash), crackles in lung, rebound hypertension