Vasodilators used for chronic treatment include hydralazine and minoxidil.

These drugs are not typically administered as monotherapy due to significant reflex-mediated cardiac stimulation and water retention. Instead they may be combined with sympatholytic drugs.

Adverse effects include those induced by vasodilation such as hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia, angina, fluid retention and headache.

• A drug-induced lupus syndrome is associated with hydralazine.

• A drug-induced hypertrichosis is associate with minoxidil.