Patient was educated on contraindications for arterial vasodilator use as follows:
- Arterial vasodilators are contraindicated in individuals with abnormally high heart rates. So, if your heart rate is being abnormally high (consistently more than 100), with the use of arterial vasodilators, report this to your physician immediately.
- Arterial vasodilators are contraindicated in individuals with abnormally low blood pressures. Use of arterial vasodilators in these individuals can result in extremely low blood pressure with reduced flow to vital organs. So, if your blood pressures are being consistently low, report this to your physician.
- Arterial vasodilators are mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of these medications can suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects. So, these medications should be used with caution in individuals with hepatic dysfunction.
- Arterial vasodilators are mainly excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete these medications normally. These drugs can stay in circulation for longer time and can be toxic. So, these medications should be used with caution in individuals with compromised renal function.
