Vasodilators: Uses, Types, and Side Effects

We’re very glad you’re here to learn about vasodilators, a group of life-saving medications. These versatile prescription medications treat a range of conditions, from cardiovascular conditions to erectile dysfunction to hair loss.

Vasodilators widen your blood vessels. This is a process called vasodilation, which helps regulate your circulation and blood pressure. 

For this reason, vasodilators are important medications that can improve and even save lives. 

Read on to learn more about what vasodilators are, potential side effects, and how, why, and when these meds can help keep your health in check — both in and out of the bedroom.

Vasodilators (sometimes called blood vessel dilators) work by helping the smooth muscle cells in the walls of your blood vessels relax, or dilate. This allows blood to flow through them more easily.

More efficient blood flow means that your organs, tissues, and cells get more oxygen, which in turn keeps them healthy and operating normally. In the long term, it can help prevent heart disease and protect against heart attacks. 

What do Vasodilators Treat? 

Vasodilators treat various conditions. Most of them are related to cardiovascular issues like:  

• High blood pressure (hypertension) 

• Congestive heart failure 

• Myocardial infarction

• Angina (chest pain)

• Coronary artery disease  

• Preeclampsia (hypertension during pregnancy)

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs)

But that’s not all. Vasodilators are also used to treat other issues — for example, minoxidil is used to treat high blood pressure and hair loss. 

Some medications for erectile dysfunction — including the iconic blue pill, Viagra^® — are also considered vasodilators. Vasodilators for erectile dysfunction improve blood flow to the penis, allowing it to become firm and erect.  

Types of Vasodilator Medications

There are several different types of vasodilators, each with its own uses. Some are direct vasodilators, which increase blood flow by affecting smooth muscles. Others are indirect vasodilators, which interrupt other activities that cause constriction. 

Different types of vasodilators include: 

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. By preventing this conversion, ACE inhibitors allow blood vessels to stay open. Examples include lisinopril and benazepril.

• Nitrates. Nitrates, another type of direct vasodilator, transform into nitric oxide, which in turn helps open blood vessels. Examples include nitroglycerin and amyl nitrate.

• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This indirect vasodilator prevents angiotensin from attaching to blood vessel walls so blood vessels can open. Examples include losartan and candesartan.

• Calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Calcium helps arteries constrict. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering your artery walls, so they stay open. This medication is known as a systemic vasodilator. Examples include nicardipine, nifedipine, diltiazem, and amlodipine.

Other vasodilators—such as certain beta-blockers, nitroprusside, and hydralazine — aren’t usually categorized in one of the above groups. They are also types of blood pressure medications. 

Not everybody needs vasodilators, and not everybody should use vasodilators. 

You might not be able to take certain vasodilators if you have a:

• Right ventricular infarction

• Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)

• History of angioedema

• Mitral valve rheumatic heart disease

It’s important to tell your prescribing physician your complete medical history, including any unexplained symptoms that you’re currently experiencing. 

Vasodilators come with some pretty heavy side effects. Because of this, they’re usually only prescribed when nothing else has worked.

If your healthcare provider prescribes a vasodilator, you may need other medications to address some of the severe side effects. For example, it could cause extreme fluid retention (edema), and you may need a diuretic to help ease that. 

For many people, the most serious potential side effect is hypotension, or low blood pressure. Lower blood pressure is good if you have vasoconstriction, but if it gets low enough, your heart can just stop. So, you should never take more of your vasodilators than what’s prescribed to you.

Other common adverse effects connected to taking vasodilators include: 

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Headaches

• Chest pain

• Dizziness

• Dry cough, especially when taking ACE inhibitors 

• Heart palpitations or increased heart rate

• Nausea and/or vomiting

If you think you’re experiencing vasodilator side effects, speak with a healthcare professional. If you’re having serious side effects, get emergency help. 

Along with side effects, you need to be careful of medication interactions when taking a vasodilator. Certain medications negatively interact with vasodilators, which can cause serious side effects. 

Common drug interactions with vasodilators include:

• ACE inhibitors shouldn’t be mixed with potassium supplements, lithium, or ARBS.

• CCBs shouldn’t be mixed with grapefruit juice.

• Nitrates interact poorly with most erectile dysfunction medications, including sildenafil and tadalafil.

• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and CCBs can interact with beta-blockers.

Because of these interactions, it’s always important to disclose all medications you are currently taking — other vasodilators, supplements, or prescription medications — before you start taking something new. 

Yes, but natural vasodilators are a tricky subject. Although some supplements and lifestyle changes naturally dilate your blood vessels, it’s important not to replace a prescription vasodilator with a natural alternative (unless your healthcare provider approves). 

Vasodilator supplements include:

• L-arginine

• Niacin (vitamin B3) 

• Magnesium.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)  

Again, though, we want to warn you to be cautious. The American Heart Association notes there are no federal regulations on herbs and supplements in the United States, including supplements that claim to be natural vasodilators. 

Also, be wary of gas station sex pills — even those that are labeled as “natural” alternatives to Viagra. Instead, talk to a healthcare professional about prescribing you the real stuff.  

But if you’re still curious, you might wonder — what is the strongest natural vasodilator? Arguably, it’s a healthy lifestyle. You can optimize blood flow and protect heart health by:

• Exercising regularly

• Quitting smoking if you smoke

• Following a healthy diet

• Reducing and managing stress 

Vasodilators are medications that help widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. They’re most commonly used to treat heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, vascular disease, high blood pressure, and more.

Here’s what else you need to know:

• There are different types of vasodilators. Vasodilators can be used for cardiovascular issues, as ED medications, and to treat hair loss in men.

• Vasodilator medications do come with a risk of side effects. Common vasodilator side effects include nausea, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure. 

• Exercise caution. Vasodilators shouldn’t be mixed with certain medications, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider if you’re currently taking any prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, or supplements. 

If you think you may qualify for vasodilator medication, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider. They will be able to assess your condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.