What it means
A nitrate that relaxes veins and arteries, so the heart has less work to do and needs less oxygen. It is used to prevent angina and, with hydralazine (BiDil), for some people with heart failure. Headache is very common; dizziness and low blood pressure can occur.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure before giving it and have the client rise slowly. A daily nitrate-free period (often overnight) is planned so the drug keeps working. Teach the client never to take erectile dysfunction drugs such as tadalafiltuh-DAL-uh-filA PDE5 inhibitor: a drug that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels, used for erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate and pulmonary hypertension.Full entry with it, because blood pressure can fall dangerously.
At a glance
| Drug class | nitrate (antianginal) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Isordil Titradose, Dilatrate-SR; with hydralazine: BiDil |
| Also written | Isordil, Dilatrate-SR |
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
coronary artery disease
Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, most often from fatty plaque buildup.
tadalafil
A PDE5 inhibitor: a drug that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels, used for erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate and pulmonary hypertension.