Vasodilators for Congenital Heart Defects
Examples
| captopril |
Capoten |
| enalapril |
Vasotec |
| lisinopril |
Zestril |
| losartan |
Cozaar |
How It Works
Vasodilators relax the muscle around blood vessels. This allows
blood vessels to expand, letting blood flow more easily through the
vessels.
Why It Is Used
Children with
congenital heart defects often have
heart failure. Vasodilator medicines decrease blood
pressure by relaxing blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through the
vessels.
How Well It Works
Vasodilators are effective in relaxing the blood vessels, which
allows blood to get to the tissues of the body more easily.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine your child takes. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with the medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after your child takes the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother your child and you wonder if he or she should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower the dose or change the medicine. Do not suddenly have your child quit taking your medicine unless your doctor says to.
Call
911
or other emergency services right away if your child has:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if your child:
- Has hives.
- Becomes dizzy or lightheaded, or if your child faints.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Taking medicine
Know how to give your child's medicine safely. Be sure you understand how much medicine to give and how to give it.
For help, see the topic Congenital Heart Defects: Caring for Your Child.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Madriago E, Silberbach M (2010). Heart failure in infants and children. Pediatrics in Review, 31(1): 4–12.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology |
|
Last Revised
|
July 2, 2012 |
Last Revised:
July 2, 2012
Madriago E, Silberbach M (2010). Heart failure in infants and children. Pediatrics in Review, 31(1): 4–12.