Which class includes nitrates such as Isordil and nitroglycerin, which relax blood vessels?

Which class includes nitrates such as Isordil and nitroglycerin, which relax blood vessels?

• A. Vasopressor
• B. Antihistamine
• C. Anticholinergic
• D. Vasodilator

Answer: (D)

Nitrates like Isordil and nitroglycerin cause vasodilation by releasing nitric oxide, which increases cyclic GMP in vascular smooth muscle and leads to relaxation. This makes them a vasodilator class. The resulting venous dilation lowers venous return ( preload) and, at higher doses, can reduce afterload, decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and easing angina. Other options on the list serve different roles: vasopressors raise vascular tone and blood pressure, antihistamines block histamine receptors, and anticholinergics inhibit acetylcholine effects. The distinctive NO-mediated smooth-muscle relaxation that produces dilation is what anchors nitrates to the vasodilator class.

Nitrates like Isordil and nitroglycerin cause vasodilation by releasing nitric oxide, which increases cyclic GMP in vascular smooth muscle and leads to relaxation. This makes them a vasodilator class. The resulting venous dilation lowers venous return ( preload) and, at higher doses, can reduce afterload, decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and easing angina. Other options on the list serve different roles: vasopressors raise vascular tone and blood pressure, antihistamines block histamine receptors, and anticholinergics inhibit acetylcholine effects. The distinctive NO-mediated smooth-muscle relaxation that produces dilation is what anchors nitrates to the vasodilator class.