title: Intravenous antihypertensive agents for patients unable to take oral medications.
abstract: The treatment of chronic hypertension in patients unable to take oral medications is challenging. Little information on the comparative safety and efficacy of i.v. alternatives is available. Hydralazine, methyldopate, enalaprilat, and nicardipine appear to be the best options for patients temporarily requiring i.v. medications for controlling chronic hypertension. Therapy should be selected on the basis of the individual patient's needs and diseases, the potential for adverse events, the monitoring required, drug costs, and the expected duration of therapy. The choices may be limited, but understanding the proper use of i.v. antihypertensives should enhance blood pressure control and patient care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23286-0441, USA.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Zigmont
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Connelly
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015773:Enalaprilat / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005665:Furosemide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006830:Hydralazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007741:Labetalol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009599:Nitroprusside / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009599:Nitroprusside; D006830:Hydralazine; D008750:Methyldopa; D005665:Furosemide; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D015773:Enalaprilat; D007741:Labetalol