Vasodilator therapy and the anesthetist: a review of nitroprusside, labetalol, hydralazine and nitroglycerin.
Vasodilators are important adjuncts to anesthetic management in a variety of clinically encountered situations. Examples include: congestive heart failure, preeclampsia/eclampsia, management of aortic cross-clamping and treatment of perioperative hypertension. In this article, the authors review four commonly utilized vasodilating agents: sodium nitroprusside, labetalol, hydralazine and nitroglycerin. Comparisons and contrasts are made among the drugs. Each agent is presented in four sections: (1) mechanism of action, (2) indications, (3) adverse actions, and (4) dosage, administration and precautions.
Walker
H J
HJ
Geniton
D J
DJ
D006801:Humans; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014665:Vasodilator Agents