What are the vasodilator drugs?

Vasodilators commonly include nitroglycerin tablets, nifedipine sustained-release tablets, diltiazem hydrochloride tablets, alprostadil injection, and nimodipine tablets.

1. Nitroglycerin Tablets

This medication is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of angina pectoris due to coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease; it may also be employed to lower blood pressure or treat congestive heart failure. Nitroglycerin exerts its effect by releasing nitric oxide (NO), which activates guanylate cyclase, thereby increasing intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in smooth muscle and other tissues. Elevated cGMP promotes dephosphorylation of myosin light chains, modulating smooth muscle contractility and resulting in vasodilation.

2. Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets

This drug is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. It works by inhibiting calcium ion influx into cells, thereby reducing intracellular calcium concentration. This leads to relaxation of arteriolar smooth muscle, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, and consequent blood pressure reduction. Additionally, it dilates coronary arteries, increases coronary blood flow, and alleviates angina.

3. Diltiazem Hydrochloride Tablets

This medication is indicated for angina pectoris due to coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease, as well as mild-to-moderate hypertension. It inhibits calcium ion entry into cells, lowering intracellular calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby inducing dilation of both peripheral and coronary arteries, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing coronary blood flow.

4. Alprostadil Injection

This drug is primarily used to treat limb ulcers caused by chronic arterial occlusive disease and rest pain in the limbs secondary to microvascular circulatory disorders, as well as to improve microcirculatory disturbances in cerebral and cardiovascular systems. Its vasodilatory effect is mediated through elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Alprostadil exhibits potent vasodilatory activity and inhibits platelet aggregation.

5. Nimodipine Tablets

This medication is primarily indicated for the prevention and treatment of ischemic neurological deficits resulting from cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well as for age-related cognitive impairment. Nimodipine selectively acts on cerebral vascular smooth muscle, causing cerebral vasodilation and increased cerebral blood flow, while also exerting neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells.

It is recommended that the above medications be used only under the guidance of a physician; self-medication is strictly discouraged. During treatment, patients should maintain a balanced diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods—such as hotpot and chili peppers—that may interfere with drug efficacy.