Hydralazine [hi dral' a zeen]
Minoxidil [mi nox/ i dil]

  • 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.