Discharge Instructions: Taking Vasodilators
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The name of your vasodilator is:
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Your healthcare provider has prescribed a vasodilator for you. These medicines treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. They work by relaxing your blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily and lowers your blood pressure.
Home care
- Follow the fact sheet that came with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you did not get one.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies.
- With some vasodilators, your healthcare provider may tell you to not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.
- Take your medicine exactly as directed.
- Keep all follow-up appointments.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Side effects
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects. Do not stop taking the medicine until your provider tells you to. Mild side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness when you stand
- Low blood pressure
Your blood pressure can get too low if you use a vasodilator such as nitroglycerin with some medicines. This can be dangerous. This includes medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Two examples of these are sildenafil and tadalafil.
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When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
· Chest, muscle, or joint pain
· Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet
· Swollen feet, lower legs, or lymph nodes
· Bloating
· Fever and sore throat
· Weakness
· Skin rash or redness, itching, or blisters; or unusual changes in the way your skin looks
· Constipation
· Dizziness or lightheadedness
· Fainting
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© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.