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Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Back to Intro' to return to the beginning of this section.
Discharge Instructions: Taking Vasodilators
The name of my vasodilator is:
_________________________
I take this medicine for:
_________________________
Home care
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Read the fact sheet that came with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you take other medicines.
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Tell your provider if you take vitamins or herbs.
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Take your medicine exactly as directed.
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Keep all of your follow-up appointments.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to be.
Side effects
Tell your healthcare provider if you have side effects. Don’t stop taking the medicine until your provider tells you to. Mild side effects include:
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Headache
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
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Dizziness when you stand
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Low blood pressure.
Your blood pressure can get too low if you use a vasodilator such as nitroglycerin with some medicines. This can be dangerous. This includes medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Two examples of these are sildenafil and tadalafil.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Chest, muscle, or joint pain
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Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet
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Swollen feet, lower legs, or lymph nodes
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Bloating
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Fever and sore throat
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Weakness
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Skin rash or redness, itching, or blisters
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Unusual changes in the way your skin looks
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Constipation
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
Call 911
Call 911 if any of the following occur:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lu Cunningham
Online Medical Reviewer:
Mandy Snyder APRN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Steven Kang MD
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.