Discharge Instructions: Taking Vasodilators

The name of my vasodilator is:

_________________________

I take this medicine for:

_________________________

Home care

• 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.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you take other medicines.

• Tell your provider if you take vitamins or herbs.

• Take your medicine exactly as directed.

• Keep all of your follow-up appointments.

• 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:

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Dizziness when you stand

• 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:

• Chest, muscle, or joint pain

• Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet

• Swollen feet, lower legs, or lymph nodes

• Bloating

• Fever and sore throat

• Weakness

• Skin rash or redness, itching, or blisters

• Unusual changes in the way your skin looks

• Constipation

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Call 911

Call 911 if any of the following occur:

• Unusual or severe chest pain

• Severe dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fainting