Blood Vasodilator Drugs

Blood Vasodilator Drugs

Question 1. Discuss Blood Vasodilator Drugs.
Answer:

Blood vasodilator drugs are of two types:

• Arteriolar: Hydralazine, Minoxidil, and Diazoxide
• Arteriolar + Venous: Sodium nitroprusside.

Blood Vasodilator Drugs: Mechanism of Action and Uses

Mechanism Of Action Of Arteriolar Vasodilator

Mechanism Of Action Of Arteriolar + Venous Vasodilators

Blood Vasodilator Drugs Uses

• Vasodilator drugs are preferred antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy.
• They are used in moderate to severe hypertension when not controlled by first-line drugs.
• They are used in hypertensive emergencies.

Question 2. Discuss Diuretics In Hypertension.
Answer:

Diuretics as antihypertensive drugs are classified as:

• Thiazides: Hydrochlorthiazide
• High ceiling: Furosemide
• K+ sparing: Spironolactone.

Diuretics Mechanism of Action

• Diuretics are weak antihypertensives
• Diuretics cause loss of sodium and water in urine, due to which there is a decrease in cardiac output and hence a fall in BP.
• Due to direct loss of sodium, arterioles respond less to noradrenaline and hence less vasoconstriction and a fall in BP.

Vasodilators: Types, Indications, and Clinical Applications

Drawbacks Of Diuretics As Antihypertensives

• Hypokalemia: Muscle pain, impotence, and fatigue
• Proinsulin in the presence of potassium ions is converted to insulin, so due to hypokalemia, it precipitates diabetes.
• It increases cholesterol and triglycerides.
• It increases the chances of sudden cardiac death.

Diuretics Uses

• They are used for hypertension
• They are used in hypertensive emergencies.