Drugs for vasodilation

Disorders in the functioning of cerebral vessels are quite common diseases. Such ailments negatively affect the functioning of the brain and other organs that are important for humans. People who suffer from vascular spasms often complain of headaches, dizziness, chest pain, chills and pain in the upper and lower extremities . Moreover, vascular spasm can last for several minutes or several days. Doctors prescribe vasodilator drugs to patients in a certain course.

Types of vasodilators

To normalize blood pressure and dilate blood vessels, patients are often prescribed vasodilators. Medicines in this group lower blood pressure by relieving tension in the walls of blood vessels. The lumen of the vessels becomes wider, which leads to normal blood circulation and normalization of pressure.

Effects of taking vasodilators for high blood pressure:

1. Oxygen and nutrients have more time to move from the bloodstream to internal organs, tissues, muscles;
2. Carbon dioxide and toxins are released from the body's cells and enter the bloodstream.

Vasodilators dilate the walls of all vessels, they are able to distinguish their size, and influence different types of molecules of the same vessel in different ways.

Thanks to the action of vasodilators, blood circulates freely through the vessels and saturates the brain with oxygen, despite obstructive factors:

• vessels can be compressed in the cervical region by new bone formations;
• swelling of tissues;
• formation of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques in the cervical region;
• the walls of blood vessels have become thicker due to inflammation occurring in the body.

Vasodilators dilate blood vessels, reducing blood pressure in them.
Vasodilators are effective at high pressure, even if there is poor blood flow to the cells due to constriction of the vessels from the outside.

Doctors may also prescribe other vasodilators for high blood pressure:

1. Nitrovasodilators and nitrate-like drugs. Drugs in this group increase the content of nitrogenous compounds in blood vessels. Nitrogen activates enzyme substances that help blood vessels dilate. As a result of the action of nitrates, the volume of circulating blood in the heart decreases, and the load on the myocardium decreases.
2. Adrenergic blockers. Medicines can be selective or non-selective. To treat arterial hypertension, doctors prescribe beta blockers. They reduce the effect of adrenaline and norepinephrine on the heart muscle and dilate the walls of blood vessels.
3. Calcium antagonists. To provide the myocardium with oxygen, it is enough to stop its supply of calcium. Due to an excess of calcium, internal organs and tissues require more oxygen. This action injures the thin walls of the heart tissue. Calcium antagonists block the channels through which calcium enters the body.
4. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Drugs in this group do not dilate blood vessels directly, but they relieve tension from the walls of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity and normalizing blood supply. This action leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
5. AT1 receptor blockers. Antagonists increase the elasticity of blood vessels, relieve tension in blood vessels, normalize blood circulation, and lower blood pressure.
6. Ganglion-blocking agents or H-anticholinergics. The drugs block the autonomic ganglia, due to which the lumen of the blood vessels increases, the resistance decreases, and the pressure drops sharply.
7. Alpha adrenergic agonists. They lower blood pressure and are sold by prescription only.

Vascular preparations

To restore blood circulation and get rid of spasms in the brain, patients take drugs to dilate blood vessels in the brain. Such vasodilators for the brain help normalize metabolism, stimulate the supply of oxygen to tissues and prevent the formation of serious diseases , which sometimes lead to disability or even death of the patient.

In medicine, medications for vasodilation are a broad group of medications. Each vasodilator drug for the brain has individual characteristics and a specific effect, which is aimed at improving the function of brain vessels. Some vasodilator drugs are used for the complex treatment of various diseases that manifest themselves in the vessels of any part of the body. In addition, vasodilators for the brain are prescribed to treat hypertension, migraines, and also to improve concentration and memory.

Considering the wide range of symptoms that are the reason for prescribing vasodilator drugs for the brain and the huge variety of these medications, treatment is prescribed by a specialist after an accurate diagnosis of the disease and according to the personal characteristics of the patient’s condition.

In this article we will provide a list of vasodilator drugs that are prescribed to treat the cerebral vascular system. We will also consider their classification and the functioning of each type of vasodilator drugs for the brain.

When to take

Doctors recommend taking vasodilator tablets for blood pressure when:

• constant pain in the head, which is caused by increased blood pressure;
• memory impairment;
• loss of concentration;
• fatigue;
• numbness of arms and legs;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Drugs with a vasodilating effect are recommended for heart failure and hypertension

Centrally acting drugs

Affect the sympathetic nervous system as a whole. They are used relatively rarely, because for the most part the effect of the drugs mentioned above is sufficient.

In addition, there is a high risk of poorly tolerated side effects. A classic example of a drug of this group is Clonidine.

There are many drugs that widen the lumen of blood vessels; it is impossible to sort through such an array on your own. In addition, the greatest effect is observed when using funds in the system. Compatibility must also be taken into account.

Attention:

The cost of a mistake can be high: from kidney and heart failure to death.

First aid medications for blood pressure

If you need to quickly lower your blood pressure, vasodilators for blood pressure will come to the rescue with a short-term but strong effect:

• Adelfan;
• Anaprilin;
• Captopril;
• Enalapril.

In case of sudden jumps in blood pressure, you need to take one or half a tablet of the indicated medications. The blood pressure returns to normal within 20 minutes after administration.

Medicines for blood vessels for hypertension have a short-term effect, so after a while you will have to take another pill.

If there is a sharp increase in blood pressure, diuretics will help. Among them is the drug Furosemide. It quickly removes excess water from the body, lowering blood pressure.

If you have hypertension, you must constantly take medications that normalize your blood pressure. For this, doctors prescribe medications with a prolonged effect:

• Bisoprolol;
• Cordaflex;
• Losartan;
• Propranolol.

Vasodilators for hypertension have a long-lasting effect, so it is enough to take one tablet per day.

Captopril is one of the drugs for quickly reducing blood pressure

Contraindications

The grounds for refusal depend on the specific group of medications.

If we talk about average moments:

• Bradycardia. Marked drop in heart rate.
• Blockade of the conduction system of the heart. Because it is possible to stop the work of a muscular organ, which almost guarantees death.
• Severe cardiac dysfunction. Before position correction.
• Chronic long-term drop in blood pressure. Also decreased levels as an acute condition.
• Cardiogenic shock. Potentially lethal. Causes the death of the patient in approximately 80% of cases. Another 15% of victims cease to exist within a few months or at most years.
• Pregnancy in any phase. The exception is some drugs, but this is explicitly stated in the annotation.
• Breast-feeding.
• Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
• Renal or liver failure in the stage of decompensation.
• Some heart and vascular defects (narrowing of the aorta, valve stenosis).

There are also special cases, contraindications that are inherent in individual names.

Medicines for cerebral vessels

To avoid dangerous consequences due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, it is necessary to take vasodilator drugs for hypertension:

1. Betaserk. The medicine is prescribed for vestibular disorders and reduced blood supply. You need to drink the product 2-4 times a day, 16 drops.
2. Drotaverine hydrochloride. The medicine dilates various types of blood vessels. The drug is taken 3 times a day, 40 mg. The maximum dosage is 80 mg.
3. Lovastatin. The drug is taken to prevent atherosclerosis. It lowers cholesterol levels and normalizes lipid metabolism. The drug is taken once a day, 10-20 mg.
4. Mexidol. The medicine is prescribed for problems with blood supply to the brain, vegetative-vascular dystonia, organic brain damage, and head injury. It increases blood flow speed, blocks platelet adhesion, and lowers cholesterol levels. The drug is taken 3 times a day. The minimum daily dose is 125 mg, and the maximum is 250 mg.
5. A nicotinic acid. Taken to prevent ischemia. The drug accelerates blood flow and dilates blood vessels. You need to take 1 gram of tablets 2-3 times a day.
6. Papaverine. The medicine stops the narrowing of the lumen in blood vessels, reduces the load on the heart by slowing blood flow, and reduces calcium levels. The drug is taken 3 times a day. The maximum daily dosage is 60 mg.
7. Pentoxifylline. The medication is prescribed for atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries, ischemia, and deterioration of blood microcirculation. It restores coronary circulation, normalizes blood flow, and reduces blood viscosity. 2-3 tablets of the drug are prescribed per day. The maximum dosage is 600 mg.
8. Piracetam. The medicine is prescribed for slow blood flow through the vessels and cerebral circulatory insufficiency. The drug inhibits the connection of platelets, restores blood circulation, and increases glucose sensitivity. The dose is calculated based on the patient's weight.
9. Cinnarizine. The medication is taken to prevent atherosclerosis. It dilates the walls of blood vessels, relieves tension in the vessels, and thins the blood. The maximum daily dose is 225 mg.

Medicines to improve blood circulation in the brain

To heal the lower extremities

To relieve spasms in the blood vessels of the legs, the following vasodilator drugs are used:

Papaverine . This drug helps relieve spasmodic manifestations in blood vessels and the pain syndrome that is associated with it. In addition, it slows down the appearance of ulcers due to its effect on the walls of blood vessels, improves microcirculation of blood flow through the superficial vessels of the legs, and also increases tissue metabolism and prevents necrotization processes. The vasodilator drug for the brain is produced in tablet form, as well as in ampoules for injections. For treatment in a hospital setting, it is most often used for intramuscular administration. After discharge from the hospital, a course of Papaverine tablets is prescribed.

Vasodilator drug for the brain Phentolamine is an adrenoblocker that has the effect of dilating blood vessels and acts specifically on the affected vessels.

This vasodilator for the heart is indicated for use in:

• Ischemic pain syndrome in the lower extremities;
• Endarteritis;
• Formation of trophic ulcers on the legs;
• The initial stages of the formation of gangrenous manifestations in the presence of atherosclerotic disease;
• The presence of bedsores and frostbite on areas of the skin localized in different places.

Diseases develop quickly and progress if the patient smokes, suffers from diabetes or hypertension. Spasms in the blood vessels cause a lack of oxygen in the leg muscles, which leads to pain, especially while walking. After taking a few steps, a person must stop due to pain. This symptom is called intermittent claudication.

With further development of the disease, trophic ulcers appear on the lower extremities; they become bluish, pale or reddish-purple. In addition, the hair covering disappears in the place where blood circulation is impaired. If the disease is neglected, gangrene may develop, which becomes the cause of irreversible processes (there is a possibility of being left completely without a leg).

Products for older patients

In old age, treating arterial hypertension becomes more difficult. The older the person, the higher the normal blood pressure readings. Vasodilators for hypertension are selected by the attending physician, taking into account individual characteristics and the course of the disease.

List of drugs:

• new type of antihypertensive drugs: Labetalol, Moxonidine, Rilmenidine, Physiotens;
• beta blockers: Bisoprolol, Lokren, Nebivolol;
• calcium channel blockers: Adalat, Nifedipine, Norvasc;
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: Captopril, Lisinopril, Enap;
• diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Triampur;
• sartans: Istar, Candecor, Losartan.

The most popular drugs for the treatment of hypertension in old age are:

1. Combined action drug Andipal. The composition contains bendazole, metamizole sodium, papaverine, phenobarbital. Tablets are taken during pressure surges due to vascular spasm or during periods of stress.
2. Beta blocker Concor. The drug for hypertension dilates vascular walls and restores heart rhythm. To treat hypertension, tablets are taken for 30-60 days.
3. Angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist Walz. A drug for the treatment of hypertension, which helps to quickly reduce blood pressure. the dose is selected by the doctor individually. To achieve a therapeutic effect, you must take the tablets for at least 14 days.

The listed medications for hypertension should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription. They have a pronounced effect on the body, so they require individual prescription.

To select and prescribe a drug for hypertension, the doctor conducts an examination, collects tests and determines the clinical picture of the disease. To select a drug, it is necessary to identify the cause of a persistent increase in blood pressure.

Andipal is one of the prescribed drugs for hypertension for the elderly

Mechanisms of action of vasodilators

Blockade of α- and β-adrenergic receptors

Excessive exposure to various biologically active substances (biologically active substances), in particular adrenaline, causes a decrease in the lumen of blood vessels, which is manifested primarily by an increase in blood pressure. In order to neutralize the negative (vasoconstrictor) effect of these substances, the patient is prescribed medications that have the ability to block adrenergic impulses and, thus, neutralize the effects of biologically active substances.

Adrenergic blockers represent a fairly broad group of drugs, which, however, depending on the receptors that they can act on and block, is divided into 2 subgroups: α- and β-adrenergic receptor blockers. The first list of drugs (α-blockers) includes:

• Terazosin;
• Silodosin;
• Alfuzosin;
• Yohimbine;
• Nicerogolin;
• Dihydroergotoxin;
• Phentolamine;
• Proroksan.

The second list of drugs that block adrenergic receptors (beta) can be represented by drugs that are easily recognized by the ending “-olol”:

• Atenolol:
• Metoprolol;
• Bisoprolol;
• Esmolol;
• Oxprenolol;
• Metypranolol;
• Propranolol.

In addition, in the group of β-blockers, cardioselective (atenolol, metoprolol, esmolol) and non-selective beta 1,2-adrenergic blockers (sotalol, propranolol, timolol) are distinguished; the group of alpha blockers is also divided into several subgroups: α-1, α- 2, α-1,2-adrenergic blockers.

Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme

The functioning of the RAAS is disrupted as a result of many pathological processes triggered by stimulation of renin production in the kidneys, disruption of the production of the hormone aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and synthesis of the glycoprotein agiotensinogen in the liver.

Renin entering the blood reacts with angiotensinogen, converting it into angiotensin I, which, in turn, under the influence of the ACE enzyme is transformed into angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor component. Angiotensin II, in addition, provokes a spasm of smooth muscle fibers and, by its presence, disrupts the adequate synthesis of bradykinin, while simultaneously promoting the stimulation of aldosterone production, and this leads to a decrease in the internal diameter of blood vessels, an increase in blood pressure, and impaired blood circulation in the microvasculature.

Obviously, to prevent the development of such a reaction and the formation of angiotensin II as a result, it is necessary to suppress the synthesis of the ACE enzyme. This role has been assigned to vasodilator drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or ACE inhibitors (ACEIs). This is an accessible, very popular, and widespread group. Most often, ACE inhibitors are used for hypertension and other pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system.

an example of the effect of ACE inhibitors in chronic heart failure

The list of ACE inhibitor drugs is quite wide, where patients suffering from arterial hypertension are very familiar with drugs that, like beta blockers, also have their own distinctive particle at the end of the word (“-adj”):

1. Captopril;
2. Enalapriril;
3. Lisinopril;
4. Monopril;
5. Ramipril;
6. Accupril;
7. Quinapril.

Individual angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for hypertension are prescribed immediately in the form of combined drugs (with diuretics - enam N, lysiton N, capozide or calcium antagonists - equator).

Blockade of individual (slow) calcium channels

scheme of cardiomyocyte overload with calcium ions

It turns out that calcium, which is so vital for muscle fibers to function fully, may not always be useful. The active movement of ions of this chemical element from the intercellular space through calcium channels into the cell and its excessive concentration in the cells can overload tissues that respond with excessive tension. Thus, tissues consisting of smooth muscle fibers can be damaged, regardless of their location (skeletal muscles, atrioventricular pathways, cardiac muscle myofibrils, blood vessels).

Medications that interfere with the movement of the ionized form of this element help prevent the penetration of unnecessary amounts of calcium (Ca++) into cells. They simply block slow calcium channels located in smooth muscle cells, which prevents the accumulation of Ca++. These medications relax smooth muscles (including blood vessels) and thereby reduce blood pressure; in addition, representatives of the group of calcium antagonists (as these pharmaceuticals are called) regulate heart rhythm.

Obviously, such substances in such cases take on the role of vasodilators. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include:

• Nifedipine;
• Felodipine;
• Lacidipine;
• Amlodipine;
• Verapamil;
• Diltiazem.

Most calcium antagonists can also be recognized by the ending of their names ("-dipin").

Figure: example of the action of calcium antagonists

Drugs with minimal side effects

Each vasodilator drug comes with instructions for use, which you should read before taking it. It contains general recommendations and a list of contraindications and side effects. Weaker drugs for hypertension have fewer side effects. These are mild vasoconstrictors:

• Afobazole: relieves stress, calms, slightly lowers blood pressure.
• Valerian tincture: normalizes blood pressure during stress or sleep disorders;
• Glycine: contains amino acids necessary for normal brain activity, the drug reduces the production of adrenaline, restores cardiac activity, and lowers blood pressure.

Operating principle

In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, drugs are used that act on the vasomotor center of the brain. Peripheral vasodilators are also included in treatment regimens. There are several groups depending on their pharmacological properties:

• reducing the tone of smooth muscle muscles, dilating blood and lymphatic vessels. This therapeutic effect is achieved by inhibiting sympathetic nerve fibers, reducing the production of hormones that provoke vasospasm;
• expanding the lumen of blood vessels by enhancing the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system;
• blocking receptors in the walls of arteries. Reducing the tone of smooth muscle fibers normalizes blood circulation.

Dr. Epifanov and cervical spine therapy:

A combination of vasodilators and nootropics helps restore blood supply to tissues. These drugs have a specific effect on the higher mental functions of the brain. With an integrated approach to the treatment of osteochondrosis, a diverse therapeutic effect can be achieved:

• activate blood circulation;
• expand the diameter of blood vessels;
• increase the functional activity of the brain;
• replenish reserves of microelements, bioactive and nutritional compounds;
• normalize the supply of brain cells with molecular oxygen.

A properly designed therapeutic regimen will speed up the patient’s recovery by stimulating metabolism in tissues that have undergone destruction. The walls of blood vessels are strengthened, the viscosity and fluidity of the blood is restored.

When choosing vasodilator drugs, the vertebrologist takes into account the stage of osteochondrosis and the degree of destructive and degenerative changes. The patient’s age and the presence of other chronic diseases are important.

Dr. Sperling's personal opinion:

Herbs with vasodilating effect

To treat hypertension, doctors may prescribe vasodilating herbal preparations and formulations:

1. Infusion of caraway and fennel: brew the seeds in hot water, leave for 60 minutes, take 50 ml 3 times a day.
2. Dandelion root decoction: pour cold water over the roots, put on the stove, cook for 5 minutes, bringing to a boil. Drink the decoction gradually throughout the day.
3. Tincture of garden periwinkle: for preparation you will need 200 g of periwinkle leaves and 0.5 liters of vodka. Pour vodka over the plant, place in a dark place and leave for 10 days. The tincture should be taken twice a day, 10 drops. The dose cannot be increased.
4. Hawthorn infusion: pour a glass of hot water over the flowers, leave for a couple of hours, take 3 times a day.
5. Hazel infusion: you will need 20 grams of the plant with bark and leaves and 200 ml of hot water. Fill the plant with water and leave for a couple of hours. The resulting infusion is taken twice a day, 100 ml.
6. Decoction of Baikal skullcap: pour a tablespoon of skullcap roots with hot water, leave for 30 minutes in a water bath. The decoction is taken 5 times a day, 1 tbsp.

You can prepare vasodilator preparations yourself or buy ready-made options at the pharmacy. To prepare the collection, take 100 g of the plant and leave it in a liter of boiling water for an hour. You need to take the collection three times a day, 100 ml.

Vasodilator preparations can be purchased at the pharmacy

Combination of different types of drugs

For hypertension, monotherapy is prescribed. The doctor selects medications based on the cause of the high blood pressure. For the treatment of hypertension, calcium antagonists, beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors are used. For hypertension, which is accompanied by impaired renal function, the doctor may prescribe peripheral blockers or adrenergic stimulants.

For severe hypertension, the doctor may prescribe complex treatment that combines different types of blood pressure medications. Combinations may result in increased negative reactions. Not all blood pressure medications are compatible with each other. You cannot take different blood pressure medications at the same time without a doctor’s prescription.

Recommendations for choosing a drug

You cannot self-prescribe medications to treat hypertension and normalize blood pressure. The treatment regimen and medication are selected by the attending physician after examination and determination of the cause of hypertension.

The choice of drug for hypertension is influenced by a number of factors:

• form of hypertension, severity of the disease;
• patient's age;
• causes of high blood pressure.

Before taking any antihypertensive drugs, you should consult a specialist. An overdose can lead to a sharp decrease in blood pressure and other adverse reactions.