Patient was educated regarding precautions to be exercised while using venous vasodilators as follows:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of hypotension, to avoid any episodes of altered levels of consciousness and accidental falls. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by the venous vasodilators.
- Venous vasodilators are contraindicated in individuals with abnormally low blood pressures. Use of venous vasodilators in these individuals can result in extremely low blood pressure with reduced flow to vital organs, resulting in compromised function of these organs. So, if your blood pressures are being consistently low, with the use of these medications, report this to your physician.
- Observe compliance with any regular lab work ordered. As these drugs are metabolized significantly in the liver and eliminated by the kidneys, hepatic and renal function could be periodically monitored, to prevent any risk for toxicity.
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of tachycardia, as extremely high heart rate, secondary to use of venous vasodilators, can lead to palpitations of the heart and confusion.
