What pills can be used to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy at different stages? The best vasodilators for the heart, legs and eyes Medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart

Cerebral circulation can be impaired for various reasons at any age. To improve vascular health, special drugs are always prescribed that dilate arteries and capillaries, strengthen their walls and eliminate spasms.

Who may need vascular medications?

In early childhood, changes in blood flow in the brain are a consequence of perinatal encephalopathy, birth trauma, hypoxia during childbirth, and pressure drop during cesarean section. If a treatment plan is drawn up correctly, the child’s condition will normalize within 2-3 years. If the baby has cerebral palsy and other serious diseases, he will have to take vascular medications for the rest of his life.

School-age children grow quickly, and vascular medications may be needed due to the increased workload.

In adults, cerebral circulation disorders are even more common - due to heart disease, osteochondrosis, ischemia, thrombosis, injuries, and operations.

In older people, the blood vessels of the brain suffer from atherosclerosis - blockage of the arteries with plaques. All of these categories of patients have indications for taking vascular drugs.

These medications are among the most popular among neurologists and therapists. Due to a decrease in the amount of calcium in cell membranes, the vascular walls relax, their lumen expands, and blood flow increases. The amount of nutrients and oxygen reaching the brain also increases. The tone of the veins does not change, which is important for maintaining normal venous outflow. There are a number of proven drugs, as well as new generation drugs. Which ones are better to choose? The list of the most popular is given in the table.

Currently, third-generation drugs are being developed that have even fewer side effects and contraindications. The above remedies can also treat arterial hypertension. Vasodilators are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Antioxidants and antihypoxants

Such medications are always prescribed as part of complex therapy to improve cerebral vascular function. They quickly eliminate the symptoms of oxygen starvation and help strengthen vascular walls. Here is a list of the best medicines:


Complamin, Glutamic acid, Picamilon and other antihypoxic and antioxidant agents also improve the functioning of cerebral vessels.

Vitamins and minerals

The next group of vasodilator drugs for the brain are vitamin supplements that are urgently needed for the normal functioning of blood vessels. Most often, patients are recommended drugs based on nicotinic acid in injections.

The medicine improves the metabolism of nitrogenous substances and carbohydrates, dilates blood vessels, and reduces cholesterol. Nicotinic acid also improves blood microcirculation in the brain and replenishes vitamin B3 deficiency.

The main preparations with vitamins are Nicotinamide, Niacinamide, Nicotinic acid in ampoules.

Rutin is another remedy that strengthens blood vessels. Troxerutin and Ascorutin are made on its basis; they are prescribed against the fragility of small capillaries, to reduce the permeability of vascular walls, as an antioxidant.

Also, patients with vascular diseases are recommended to regularly take tablets with retinol, tocopherol, potassium, selenium, and silicon. For osteochondrosis of the neck and other diseases of the spine, a complex of B vitamins - Neuromultivit, Compligam, Milgamma - is always introduced into the course of therapy.

Nootropics

These medications do not act directly on blood vessels, but they improve overall metabolism in tissues, stabilize neurocyte membranes, increase tissue resistance to oxygen starvation, thereby optimizing blood supply to the brain. Nootropics are prescribed even to children, they are indicated for most elderly people, and are used in the complex treatment of osteochondrosis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, the consequences of cerebral palsy, etc.

The cheapest and most accessible are racetams - Piracetam, Nootropil, Lucetam, Phenotropil and others.

The latest generation of drugs includes Cortexin, which is a complex of polypeptides from the animal cerebral cortex. The medicine is injected into the muscle; it is available only in injection form. Price for 10 ampoules - 1300 rubles.

Patients are also given the following injections:


Many nootropics have a positive effect on blood composition - they prevent platelets from sticking together, improving blood microcirculation by increasing its fluidity. This helps to avoid thrombosis and other serious complications of vascular pathologies.

Medicines for atherosclerosis

If a person is diagnosed with atherosclerosis, treatment with folk remedies or so-called vascular cleansing is not always enough. Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a very serious disease; without treatment it leads to stroke.

The following will help improve blood circulation in this pathology:


In mild cases of atherosclerosis, it is enough to take Omega-3 acids, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent the disease from progressing.

Other drugs

Often a person experiences vascular spasms (when taking vasoconstrictor medications, hypertension, smoking, etc.). In this case, antispasmodics will help improve blood flow - No-shpa, Revalgin, Drotaverine, Papaverine. Doctors also prescribe as vascular agents:


You cannot select treatment regimens on your own - it is important to make prescriptions taking into account the exact indications and type of disease, to know the contraindications, side effects and effectiveness of the active substances.

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Antihypertensive drugs for pregnant women are prescribed under the supervision of a gynecologist and cardiologist. Blood pressure pills for pregnant women should be chosen carefully and carefully. After all, most drugs have many contraindications for use. And approved medications can be dangerous to the health of the expectant mother and the life of the child.

Arterial hypertension in pregnant women

Arterial hypertension during pregnancy is often observed. This is explained by an increase in metabolic processes, as well as an increase in intrauterine pressure. Every tenth pregnant woman experiences hypertension. Untimely treatment of arterial hypertension leads to complicated childbirth and difficult pregnancy. The worst that can await an expectant mother is death during childbirth in the presence of arterial hypertension, miscarriage, or the birth of a baby with disabilities. This disease has become noticeably younger, because not only women over 40 are affected, but also young people.

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Causes of arterial hypertension in pregnant women

When pregnancy occurs, changes occur in the female body not only at the level of hormones, but also inside the body. Internal organs migrate from one place to another, including the heart. The diaphragm becomes inactive. In addition, the woman gains weight, and the placenta, so necessary for bearing a baby, increases blood circulation. All of these parameters contribute to disruption of normal blood pressure.

Hospitalization and treatment

The treatment regimen and hospitalization are prescribed by a cardiologist and gynecologist.

In case of arterial hypertension in pregnant women, a woman should be constantly monitored by a gynecologist and cardiologist. At the slightest change in a woman’s health system, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Particular attention should be paid to women's health not only during pregnancy and birth of a baby, but also in the postpartum period. In case of hypertension, hospitalization of the pregnant woman is necessary.

Three times the woman goes to the hospital for observation, and the doctor decides which treatment regimen is best for the patient. Indeed, in the early stages of hypertension, the list of approved medications is scanty, since the use of a medication of this type can provoke a miscarriage. At the end of the first trimester, the pregnant woman is hospitalized to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis. Between 25 and 30 weeks they are hospitalized again in order to monitor changes in the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus. And at 38 weeks and before giving birth, in order to monitor changes in the pregnant woman’s condition, the woman and baby will be under the supervision of doctors.

Safe drugs

There are discussions among doctors regarding the use of antihypertensive drugs. This concerns the correct use of the drug by pregnant women and the duration of use. After all, drugs of this group affect blood circulation in the placenta, and this fact can have a detrimental effect on the baby during intrauterine development. However, they are used in the treatment of hypertension in expectant mothers. Methyldopa and are considered relatively safe. However, most often, drugs of this class can be prescribed starting from the beginning of the third trimester. allowed to be used even in the first trimester of pregnancy.

There are no data on the 100% safety of antihypertensive drugs for infants during fetal development.


If you have hypertension, there is a high risk of premature birth; adrenergic blockers are prescribed to prevent it.

This medicine is prescribed to prevent the premature birth of a child. But taking the drug leads to a reduced weight of the newborn, because at the same time the blood vessels resist more. For high blood pressure, blockers help reduce blood pressure to normal. The risk from taking drugs in this group is minimal for both mother and baby. If you take A-blockers and B-blockers, you can do it faster. But when the pressure fluctuates, sometimes higher or lower than normal, you should postpone taking it, because the drug can significantly lower a woman’s blood pressure.

Calcium antagonists

These tablets for blood pressure during pregnancy are indicated for use. With high blood pressure, pregnant women need to take calcium antagonists to improve circulation and hygroscopicity of the heart muscles. Hypotension during pregnancy is treated with Ca antagonists from the 13th week. The advantage of drugs is that drugs of this type reduce the likelihood of a baby being born with a low body weight and they are non-toxic for children during the period of intrauterine development. However, for expectant mothers, the drug causes side effects:

  • pregnant women's legs swell;
  • blood pressure may become very low;
  • hemodynamics in the placenta is disrupted;
  • Sometimes a pregnant woman develops an allergy;
  • high blood pressure drops to the maximum permissible limits.

Diuretics


Hypothiazide can help with edema in pregnant women.

It can be taken by pregnant women in order to remove excess water from the woman’s body. This is a necessary measure, because fluid that is retained in the body leads to the formation of swelling of the legs. The use of Hypothiazide is allowed in a dosage of no more than 100 mg per day. Placental hemodynamics are disrupted, uric acid is retained in the body, and this negatively affects the placental layer.

Antispasmodics

Treatment with antispasmodic drugs is not recommended at all, except in cases where they cannot be avoided. To achieve low blood pressure during a hypertensive crisis, it is allowed to treat pregnant women, because there is a huge risk to the life of the expectant mother. Taking Hydralazine and Diazoxide is allowed, but there are side effects from taking them (fetal hypoxia, pain, vomiting, fluid is not removed from the female body).

If you have high blood pressure, you are allowed to take only those medications that do not harm the expectant mother and baby.

List of medications for blood pressure during pregnancy

Name of the productDescription
Antihypertensive drugsPotent drugs. Can be prescribed when other drugs do not help. It is allowed to use “Aspirin” in a dosage of up to 150 mg per day, “Papaverine” in a dosage of 400 IU per day.
Sedative medicationsThe doctor prescribes only herbal-based sedatives (especially before the 12th week of pregnancy). It is allowed to use Valerian and motherwort.
Calcium antagonistsFor high blood pressure, you can take medications like Norvax, Verapamil and Foridon. Verapamil is prescribed 40 mg up to 4 times a day.
Safe adrenergic blockers: beta and alpha blockersPregnant women can take medications like “Atenolol”, “Propranolol”, “Pindolol”, “Acebutolol”, “Clonidine”, “Atenolol”. The study did not reveal any negative effects on the fetus, but the number of studies is insufficient. The doctor carefully calculates the dosage of the drug. It is recommended to use Clonidine, for example, in small doses: 0.15-0.5 mg per day (divide by 3 times). The drug “Labetalol” is considered safe in a dosage of up to 20 mg during an attack of hypertensive crisis. The effect occurs 5 minutes after taking the product.
DiureticsMedicines of the Triamterene type or in a dosage of no more than 100 mg/day are prescribed.
Antispasmodic medicationsIt is not recommended to take drugs of this class to lower blood pressure in a pregnant woman. They are very toxic and dangerous to the health of the pregnant woman and the life of the unborn child. These medications are prescribed only in cases where no medical treatment helps. But the risk must be taken into account very carefully.

To ensure the full functioning of the complex human central nervous system, which depends on blood circulation, a large number of interconnected neurons and nerve processes, the brain, covered with blood vessels and saturating all the organs of the central nervous system with oxygen and glucose, it is necessary to take care of your health. Very often, with the development of pathologies and disruption of blood microcirculation, the meninges are affected, the ability to think, coordinate and control one’s movements, perceive and reproduce speech, feel and distinguish emotions is lost. Serious consequences can be avoided if you start taking vasodilator drugs for the brain in time to prevent and treat diseases of the central nervous system.

Causes of vasoconstriction

Heavy mental stress, poor environmental situation and stress, hereditary diseases are important factors that provoke loss of elasticity and premature wear of capillaries. Migraine, dizziness, memory loss and rapid fatigue are the first signs of vascular diseases.

Atherosclerosis. Accompanied by insomnia, depressed state and prolonged depression, deterioration of vision, hearing and memory, and frequent dizziness. It is characterized by a narrowing of the volume of the lumen of the blood flow with its subsequent blockage due to the proliferation of connective tissue, the appearance of cholesterol plaques and excessive deposition of calcium salts.

Cerebral vasospasm. The source of insufficient blood microcirculation is vascular dystonia, smoking, overwork, old age, osteochondrosis, hypertension and heart disease. People with this diagnosis experience fainting, slurred speech, and loss of motor activity.

Cerebrovascular accident. Accompanied by a decrease in visual and hearing acuity, seizures, deterioration in thinking, partial temporary paralysis, loss of reading, writing, and speech skills. Causes: plaques, blood clots, blood pressure surges, cervical osteochondrosis and head injuries.

Ischemia. Oxygen saturation of cells is hampered by diabetes, poor nutrition, anemia, kidney disease and tumors, and obesity. Signs of damage to the meninges include loss of concentration, outbursts of aggression, a shuffling gait and urinary incontinence.

Stroke. Congenital pathologies or atherosclerosis, heavy physical activity and arterial hypertension cause destruction of vascular walls, followed by hemorrhage, necrosis of tissue areas, and cell death.

What are vasodilator drugs?


To achieve stable functioning of the central nervous system, new generation drugs are widely used. They differ depending on the mechanism and direction of their action:

  1. alpha-adrenergic blockers. Stimulate the expansion of the lumen and increase the peripheral bloodstream, reduce cholesterol levels and normalize blood glucose levels;
  2. calcium channel blockers. They have a vasodilator, relaxing effect on the walls of capillaries and coronary arteries, which contributes to their expansion. Lower blood pressure and prevent calcium from entering cells;
  3. Vasolidators or vasodilators. Reduce the speed of blood flow and the force of pressure on the walls of the arteries, increase their lumen, improve the nutrition of tissues and cells;
  4. neurotropic drugs. Regulate and restore the functions of the peripheral part of the central nervous system;
  5. myotropic antispasmodics. Reduce and relax muscle tone;
  6. disaggregants. Prevents the formation of blood clots and narrowing of the blood flow lumens.

Useful to know: Effective drugs to improve memory and brain function

Natural homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies and dietary supplements are used as adjuvant therapy or in combination with other medications.

Vasodilation


In order to prevent serious consequences, which are associated primarily with dangerous disturbances in the flow of blood into the membranes of the brain and other organs of the central nervous system, doctors offer their patients medications for narrowing of the lumen and insufficient conductivity of the microvasculature.

"Piracetam." An effective drug for the treatment of cerebrovascular insufficiency and slow blood flow. The vasodilator suppresses platelet aggregation, improves microcirculation, and increases glucose sensitivity. It is prescribed in a dosage of 30 to 160 mg per kilogram of a person’s weight.

"Mexidol". It is recommended to take it for recovery after identified problems with cerebral circulation, head injuries, encephalopathy and vegetative dystonia. Normalizes the speed of blood movement, reduces platelet aggregation, and reduces the amount of bad cholesterol. The dosage per day is 125 - 250 mg 3 times.

"Pentoxifylline." Indications: ischemic conditions, cerebral atherosclerosis, acute processes of blood circulation disorders. Dilates coronary arteries, reduces blood viscosity and improves blood flow. Tablets are taken at a rate of 600 mg per day. The number of receptions is 2-3 times.

Drug treatment of atherosclerosis

The danger of cholesterol plaques manifests itself in the form of the formation of blood clots, thrombi, a decrease in the volume of the lumen of the vascular bed and its complete blockage, which can cause myocardial infarction. That is why it is recommended to take effective modern drugs to treat atherosclerosis.

"Betaserk." Relieves unnatural noise in the ears, frequent migraines and dizziness. Used as part of complex therapy for post-traumatic encephalopathy. It has a positive effect on blood flow and the peripheral vestibular apparatus. Daily intake: 16 drops 2-4 times. Do not chew, drink with a small amount of water.

"Papaverine". An antispasmodic agent that reduces calcium content in cells, relaxes muscle tissue and vascular walls, and slows intracardiac conduction. Take no more than 60 mg 3 times per day.

"Lovastatin." Prevents excess cholesterol in the body, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, and corrects lipid metabolism. It is prescribed orally once a day, 10-20 mg in the evening.

How to relieve spasm of cerebral vessels


You can get rid of causeless migraines, constant fatigue and irritability, which are caused by cerebral vasospasm, only after taking special medications prescribed by your doctor, indicating the exact dosage and number of doses.

"Cinnarizine." It has a calming, vasodilating effect on muscle tissue and the walls of blood arteries, reduces the manifestations of vestibular disorders, prevents the development of atherosclerotic plaques and reduces the level of blood viscosity. Prescribed for the prevention of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The vasodilating effect is detected after using no more than 225 mg of Cinnarizine or 24 drops per day. This amount must be divided into 3 times.

"Drotaverine hydrochloride." Reduces the manifestations of muscle spasms and short-term functional disorders of cerebral circulation, which lead to spasm of the peripheral, cerebral and coronary arteries. Daily intake of 40-80 mg 3 times.

"A nicotinic acid". Helps accelerate the passage of blood by expanding the lumen between the vascular walls, normalizes the activity of the microvasculature, and prevents the development of ischemic disorders. For severe atherosclerosis, 2-3 grams per day are prescribed.

Medicines to improve cerebral circulation


It is possible to resume the stable operation of the processes occurring in the organs of the central nervous system if you follow the exact instructions for natural medicinal products and modern vasodilating drugs.

"Actovegin". Promotes oxygen saturation of tissues and organs, has an antioxidant effect, restores blood flow, and prevents the onset of ischemic stroke. Daily dosage: 1-3 capsules before meals 3 times. Intravenous administration involves 10-15 ml of the drug in combination with a 0.9% NaCl solution or 5% dextrose.

“Vazobral.” Vasodilating drug. Reduces the permeability of the vascular wall, restores cerebral circulation, increases mental activity, reflex excitability of the spinal cord and increases the activity and stability of the brain. Eliminates attention, memory and vestibular complications. Prescribed 0.5 - 1 tablet in the morning and evening. In the form of a solution, it is recommended to take 2-4 ml twice a day.

"Cavinton". Restores the acuity of hearing and vision, which were caused by damaged and lost elasticity of the brain vessels. Improves cerebral circulation, stimulates the intensity of oxygen supply to cells and tissues, and has a vasodilating effect. Prescribed for motor and neurological disorders.

Treatment of cerebral vascular ischemia


Oxygen starvation, which affects all organs of the central nervous system without exception, the lack of natural blood circulation and impaired brain activity are the consequences of ischemia. Without medical treatment with the use of vasodilators, it is impossible to help restore the body.

Useful to know: Concussion: first symptoms

"Nimotop". To prevent neurological disorders, hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, vasospasm, stabilize the functioning of neurons and block the entry of calcium into cells, intravenous administration of an infusion solution diluted with 0.9% NaCl is prescribed. In the form of tablets you need to take 3 pieces.

"Dipyridamole." The main indications for taking the drug, after which the coronary blood flow expands and the speed of its movement increases, are ischemia, low blood pressure, and thrombosis. The dosage per day should not exceed 25-50 mg.

"Enduracin" or nicotinic acid. Expands small capillaries, increases motor activity in the bloodstream. For atherosclerosis, the recommended dose is 2-3 grams per day, for the purpose of prevention - 15-25 mg per day.

List of medications for cerebral stroke


Blockage of the bloodstream and oxygen starvation, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, lack of nutrients and elements provoke ischemic stroke. After an attack, the patient is prescribed medications to restore brain activity and normalize blood pressure.

"Clopidogrel." Patients with ischemic stroke, increased aggregation of blood clots and impaired peripheral circulation are prescribed a daily dosage of one tablet.

"Ceraxon." The nootropic active ingredient promotes the restoration of cells and damaged tissues. Reduces the effects of memory loss, improves attention and thinking. In case of traumatic brain injuries, it reduces the duration of associated symptoms. In the acute ischemic period, intravenous administration of 1000 ml is recommended.

Vessel cleaning preparations


It is especially important to prevent diseases of the vascular system in the elderly and old age. Not only for treatment, but also for the purpose of prevention, vasodilators and strengthening drugs are very often used, which improve and activate brain processes.

"Courantil". It is used to treat disorders of the circulatory system and is prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots. It is a substance that dilates blood vessels and coronary arteries, which further slows down progressive atherosclerosis and improves cardiac blood flow. The daily dosage for the prevention and treatment of blood clots is 1 tablet 3-6 times an hour before meals. In case of pronounced coronary insufficiency, the dose is increased to 4 times a day.

Disorders in the functioning of cerebral vessels are quite common diseases. Such ailments negatively affect the functioning of the brain and other organs that are important for humans. People who suffer from vascular spasms often complain of headaches, dizziness, chest pain, chills and pain in the upper and lower extremities. Moreover, vascular spasm can last for several minutes or several days. Doctors prescribe vasodilator drugs to patients in a certain course.

Vascular preparations

To restore blood circulation and get rid of spasms in the brain, patients take drugs to dilate blood vessels in the brain. Such vasodilators for the brain help normalize metabolism, stimulate the supply of oxygen to tissues and prevent the formation of serious diseases, which sometimes lead to disability or even death of the patient.

In medicine, medications for vasodilation are a broad group of medications. Each vasodilator drug for the brain has individual characteristics and a certain effect that is aimed at improving the function of cerebral vessels. Some vasodilator drugs are used for the complex treatment of various diseases that manifest themselves in the vessels of any part of the body. In addition, vasodilators for the brain are prescribed to treat hypertension, migraines, and also to improve concentration and memory.

Considering the wide range of symptoms that are the reason for prescribing vasodilator drugs for the brain and the huge variety of these medications, treatment is prescribed by a specialist after an accurate diagnosis of the disease and according to the personal characteristics of the patient’s condition.

In this article we will provide a list of vasodilator drugs that are prescribed to treat the cerebral vascular system. We will also consider their classification and the functioning of each type of vasodilator drugs for the brain.

Characteristics of vasodilator drugs


Vascular dysfunction is a fairly common disease. People of different age categories are exposed to such ailments. Vasoconstriction is possible in any organ of the human body; this can negatively affect vital functions.

The vessels supply blood to almost the entire human body. Through the bloodstream, the body is supplied with nutrients, oxygen and metabolic products. Besides through blood vessels the body is cleansed of toxins, which were formed during life processes. Consequently, narrowed lumen of the vessel can cause disruption all these processes.

To cure vascular diseases that are associated with their narrowing in different areas and of different sizes, a specialist prescribes vasodilators for the brain (vasodilators). This is a fairly wide group of medications that have a common characteristic - they dilate blood vessels, only each in a separate part of the human body.

It would be a mistake to assume that every medication that dilates blood vessels has the same effect on the entire body. In the human body there are all kinds of vessels through which blood flows, from small to large, performing individual actions. That's why Vasodilators are selected for each disease, following localization.

How are vasodilators classified?


Since the device for regulating tone in the walls of blood vessels is complex and varied, it is quite difficult to classify vasodilators for the brain accordingly. But still, this group of drugs is divided according to some features. Firstly, on the functioning of vasodilator drugs for the brain. This feature is not important for patients; rather, this characteristic is necessary for the doctor who prescribes treatment.

Secondly, vasodilator drugs for the brain are divided according to anatomical, therapeutic and chemical characteristics (ATC).

The division of vasodilator drugs for the brain into groups is carried out according to the following principles:

  • The main component of vasodilators. This allows us to determine how the brain remedy affects the human body;
  • List of diseases for the treatment of which this is prescribed;
  • Localization of the action of vasodilator drugs for the brain.

This information about the vasodilator drug will be important for the patient. But it is still necessary to take into account that the independent use of medications that dilate blood vessels is strictly prohibited.

In some cases, the attending physician recommends various medications for the brain to treat the same disease. This is due to the characteristics of the patient, the presence of concomitant ailments in other organs and systems, the condition of the blood vessels in the affected area, as well as many other reasons.

According to their functioning, vasodilator drugs are divided into:

  • Neurotropic;
  • Myotropic;
  • Blocking calcium channels.

Neurotropes, in turn, are divided into:

  • Reflex vasodilators;
  • Centrally acting vasodilators for the brain;
  • Vasodilators acting superficially.

Myotropic brain vasodilators affect the muscle tissue in the middle layer of arteries (compared to veins, arteries have not only an outer connective tissue and an inner endothelial lining, but also a layer in the middle that consists of smooth muscle cells).

Vasodilator drugs for the brain, which block the calcium channel, prevent the formation of the actin-myosin protein complex, which contracts the walls of blood vessels. The calcium contained in the brain vasodilator helps maintain the protein compound in a stable state.

In addition, there are vasodilators for the brain that have a mixed effect on the body, for example, drugs containing nitrates. Such brain vasodilators combine two devices: neurotropic and myotropic.

There are also vascular-strengthening medications that affect a specific area of ​​the body, and not all vessels. For example, coronary lytic drugs act mainly on the cardiovascular system. To relieve spasms in the coronary vessels, validol, nitroglycerin or aminophylline are prescribed. To improve the functioning of the vascular system of the brain, experts recommend taking the vasodilator drug cinnarizine. And to relieve vascular spasms in the legs, a course of phentolamine is prescribed.

Let's take a closer look at vasodilator drugs that help dilate blood vessels according to the localization of the effect.

Vasodilators for the brain


Vasodilator drugs used to treat cerebral vessels have some peculiarities in their effects on the body. The main disadvantage of using these vasodilator drugs is the effect on other vascular systems, which often causes a strong decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, these vasodilators are not prescribed to patients who are prone to hypotension. The result can be completely opposite. For this reason, medications that dilate blood vessels in the brain are prescribed individually to each patient.

The best vasodilators for healing the cerebral vascular system are as follows:

Vasodilator for the brain Piracetam– this is a drug that accelerates the removal of glucose, which normalizes the blood supply to the blood vessels of the brain, relieves headaches and dizziness. It is produced in different pharmacological forms: tablets, syrups, solutions for injections and intravenous administration.


Vasodilator for the brain Mexidol- This is a remedy that normalizes blood supply to the brain, saturates the brain with oxygen and nutrients, lowers the amount of cholesterol, and dilates blood vessels. A vasodilator drug for the brain is produced in tablet and injection form.


Vasodilator for the brain Actovegin. This is a vasodilator drug, which is successfully prescribed as a vasodilator for the brain, accelerates the release of glucose, and normalizes metabolic processes at the cellular level.

Vasodilator drugs for the brain, used in the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis, help improve blood flow in the brain and have a positive effect on the walls of venous and arterial vessels.

The following vasodilator drugs can quickly expand the blood vascular system of the brain:

Vasodilator for the brain Papaverine. This medication is prescribed to relieve spasms in the brain. In addition, papaverine is well used to relieve spasms in the smooth muscle cells of the peritoneum;


Vasodilator for the brain Cavinton. Prescribed for blood supply disorders in the brain. It has a positive effect on the blood vessels of the brain, widens the lumen in them and removes spasms. It is produced in the form of tablets and solutions for injections.


Vasodilator for the brain Angionorm. This medication helps to widen the blood vessels in the brain and increases physical endurance, resistance to stress, and also normalizes the emotional and psychological state.

In addition, almost all medications aimed at treating the vascular system of the brain have a hypotensive effect.

For this reason, the use of vasodilator drugs for the brain is carried out strictly as prescribed by a doctor. In addition, the dosage and frequency of administration must be observed, as well as constant monitoring of the patient’s blood pressure.

For coronary vessels

Narrowing of the coronary vessels is characteristic of diseases in the cardiovascular system, especially coronary heart disease (CHD). With stenosis in the coronary vessels, the patient feels pain, tightness in the chest and other unpleasant symptoms.

To widen the coronary arteries, experts prescribe the following medications:


Vasodilator Nitroglycerine– a drug used to quickly relieve a pain attack during a developing myocardial infarction. The medicine helps improve myocardial function by increasing heart rate. In addition, it inhibits the return of venous blood flow, which reduces the need for oxygen by the heart muscles.


Vasodilator Atenolol– a medicine that reduces the heart rate. It is prescribed for patients with tachycardia, arrhythmia, as well as people suffering from high blood pressure. Removes an attack of suffocation, which is caused by a high need for oxygen in the myocardium, increases the permeability of blood vessels and nutrition of the heart muscles.

But these medications have some contraindications for use, which makes it impossible to use them without consulting your doctor to choose the right dosage.

Contraindications include the following factors:

  • Both medications should not be used for hypotension;
  • The vasodilator drug Nitroglycerin is not prescribed for cerebral hemorrhages or disorders in the functioning of cerebral vessels;
  • Atenolol is not prescribed for shock cardiogenic conditions and sinus bradycardia;
  • The vasodilator drug Atenolol is contraindicated for kidney and liver diseases;
  • Atenolol is not prescribed in the presence of diabetes mellitus.

If you take vasodilator drugs of this classification correctly, you can get rid of attacks and improve the patient’s health.

For superficial arteries

Superficial blood vessels often go into spasm when a patient becomes hypertensive or has high blood pressure. It has not yet been diagnosed like hypertension, but there is a possibility of transformation into a chronic form of this disease.

The most effective and widely used vasodilators for the brain include:

Vasodilator for the brain Nifedipine– a medicine related to calcium antagonists. Helps reduce cardiac stress, the general resistance of blood vessels, which makes it possible to lower blood pressure.


Vasodilator for the brain Enalapril– a medical drug used to treat hypertension. It can be used for a long time and has a persistent relaxing effect on blood vessels.

These vasodilator drugs for the brain are prescribed to people who have hypertension, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. A vasodilator drug for the brain is taken for quite a long time, and sometimes for the rest of your life. To make the drugs convenient to take, they are produced in tablet form with different dosages of the active ingredient.

Contraindications to vasodilator drugs for the brain include the following factors:

  • Individual intolerance to the ingredients that make up the product;
  • Severe drop in blood pressure;
  • Use of other medications that are not compatible with these medications.

With long-term use of these vasodilators for the brain, constant monitoring of blood pressure and periodic blood donations are prescribed to check the amount of electrolytes and biochemical composition. If there are changes in any indicators, you need to seek help from a doctor; it may be necessary to: adjust the dosage or replace the medication.

To heal the lower extremities

To relieve spasms in the blood vessels of the legs, the following vasodilator drugs are used:

Papaverine. This drug helps relieve spasmodic manifestations in blood vessels and the pain syndrome that is associated with it. In addition, it slows down the appearance of ulcers due to its effect on the walls of blood vessels, improves microcirculation of blood flow through the superficial vessels of the legs, and also increases tissue metabolism and prevents necrotization processes. The vasodilator drug for the brain is produced in tablet form, as well as in ampoules for injections. For treatment in a hospital setting, it is most often used for intramuscular administration. After discharge from the hospital, a course of Papaverine tablets is prescribed.

Vasodilator for the brain Phentolamine– is an adrenergic blocker that has the effect of vasodilation and acts specifically on the affected vessels.

This vasodilator for the heart is indicated for use in:

  • Ischemic pain syndrome in the lower extremities;
  • Endarteritis;
  • Formation of trophic ulcers on the legs;
  • The initial stages of the formation of gangrenous manifestations in the presence of atherosclerotic disease;
  • The presence of bedsores and frostbite on areas of the skin localized in different places.

Diseases develop quickly and progress if the patient smokes, suffers from diabetes or hypertension. Spasms in the blood vessels cause a lack of oxygen in the leg muscles, which leads to pain, especially while walking. After taking a few steps, a person must stop due to pain. This symptom is called intermittent claudication.

With further development of the disease, trophic ulcers appear on the lower extremities; they become bluish, pale or reddish-purple. In addition, the hair covering disappears in the place where blood circulation is impaired. If the disease is neglected, gangrene may develop, which becomes the cause of irreversible processes (there is a possibility of being left completely without a leg).

For hand treatment


Blood vessels are affected not only in the legs. The vessels in the upper extremities are also susceptible to the same problems. In addition, vascular spasms in the arms are possible when the artery under the collarbone is compressed. The most dangerous disease in this group is Raynaud's disease and syndrome, which often affects the fair sex at a young age. Raynaud's disease is a systemic disease, manifested at the genetic level, that affects small vessels in the arms (in rare cases, in the legs). Raynaud's syndrome manifests itself under the influence of certain causes and, compared to a disease, is curable. Only women are predisposed to the syndrome, but these are not all factors. In addition, the causes of the disease are stress conditions, regular hypothermia, vibrations, and rheumatoid diseases. Typists and pianists are at risk.

To treat blood vessels in the hands, vasodilator medications are also needed.

To treat the upper extremities, the specialist prescribes the following vasodilators for the brain:

  • Antispasmodic medications for the brain. Namely, no-spa or papaverine.
  • Adrenergic blockers that have a central and superficial effect on the body. These include the brain vasodilator drug chlorpromazine and tropafen.
  • Ganglioblockers. Namely, the brain vasodilator drug ganglerone and benzohexonium.
  • Myotropic drugs that dilate the vascular system. Namely, nicotinic acid.
  • Medicines that block calcium channels. Among them: the brain medicine amlodipine and nifedipine.

Treatment with vasodilating medications is carried out in combination with physical procedures and acupuncture, which help restore blood supply. If treatment does not have the desired result, then surgery (preganglionic sympathectomy) is used.

For the brain based on medicinal herbs


Modern pharmacology has long used plant components to produce vasodilators for the brain. Vasodilator drugs for the brain, which are prescribed to cure vascular spasms of various localizations, are no exception.

The advantages of these vasodilator drugs for the brain are their safety, minimal side effects and a low number of contraindications. Disadvantages of brain medications include slow results, the need for a long period of administration, and use in the initial stages of the disease. When the disease is in an advanced stage, develops rapidly or has entered an acute stage, then treatment only with vasodilators for the brain based on medicinal herbs will not have the necessary results.

Vasodilators for the brain with herbal components, which include vinca and gingko biloba alkaloids, are widely used. Extracts of these herbs help relieve spasms, saturate tissues with oxygen and nutrients, normalize blood circulation in the brain, and normalize metabolic processes.

Vasodilator drugs for the brain containing periwinkle as an active ingredient include: Vinpocetine, Cavinton, Telektol and others.

Gingko biloba is the main component of such vasodilating drugs for the brain as: Tanakan, Bilobil, Gingium and others.

Medicines for the brain containing herbal ingredients are sold in any pharmacy without a prescription. In addition, certain vasodilator drugs for the brain are classified as dietary supplements (dietary supplements).

However, even such brain remedies should be started after consulting with your doctor. Since any vasodilator drug for the brain has contraindications and side effects on the human body. Therefore, only a specialist has the right to prescribe the drug in order to eliminate possible risks to the patient’s health.

People of all ages should take care of their own health. And you should not assume that only patients in their declining years are susceptible to blood vessel diseases. Vascular spasm can occur even at a young or childhood age. The reason for this is the environment, increased physical or mental stress, stress, bad habits, and many other factors. If you start taking care of your blood vessels in time, you can maintain your efficiency, a clear mind and good memory for many years. But be sure to consult your doctor before starting treatment with vasodilator drugs for the brain. This will open the door to more serious health problems.

People suffering from headaches, dizziness, chest pain, chilliness and pain in the fingers and toes know that vascular spasm is the basis of their diseases. Its duration varies, from several minutes to several days. They also know ways to get rid of this disease. The problem of vascular spasm is solved with the help of medications of a certain pharmacological section. The name of this section is vasodilators.

Classification of vasodilators

The mechanism for regulating the tone of the vascular wall is complex and diverse, hence the difficulty of sorting out the means for dilating blood vessels, but a classification exists.

According to the mechanism of action, they are distinguished:

  • neurotropic drugs;
  • myotropic drugs;
  • calcium channel blocking agents.

In turn, neurotropic drugs are divided into:

  • reflex (validol);
  • central action;
  • peripheral action.

The effect of myotropic drugs is explained by the effect on the muscle cells of the middle layer of the artery (unlike veins, arteries have, in addition to the outer connective tissue and inner endothelial membrane, a middle layer consisting of smooth muscle cells).

This group includes drugs - isoquinoline derivatives (papaverine, no-shpa), purine derivatives (aminophylline, theophylline), imidazole derivatives (dibazole).

Neurotropic drugs include:

Calcium channel blockers prevent the formation of the actin-myosin protein complex that contracts the vessel wall (cinnarizine). Calcium ions maintain the stability of this protein compound.

There are drugs with a mixed mechanism of action, for example nitrates (nitroglycerin). This vasodilator drug combines a neurotropic and myotropic mechanism. Rauwolfia alkaloid reserpine acts on vascular innervation through a central and peripheral adrenergic effect.

Among the drugs that dilate blood vessels, there are those that act locally, without a pronounced general vasodilator effect on all vessels. Coronarolytics act primarily on the blood vessels of the heart. Validol, nitroglycerin, aminophylline are used for spasm of coronary vessels. Cinnarizine is intended to improve the condition of cerebral blood vessels. The vasodilator drug phentolamine helps with vasospasm in the extremities.

Use for hypertension

Vasodilators are often used as antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of hypertension, as well as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, for the treatment of arterial vessels of the lower extremities and for numbness, chilliness and pain in the arms.

Increased blood pressure is associated with vasospasm. When vascular tone is restored, perfusion (blood supply) of all organs improves, oxygen delivery to organs and tissues improves.
Treatment of hypertension should be comprehensive.

The modern approach to treatment suggests using 4 groups of drugs:

  • ACE inhibitors (enalapril, lisinopril);
  • diuretics (veroshpiron, indapamide);
  • calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, verapamil);
  • beta blockers (metoprolol, nebivolol).

For ease of administration, a combination medicine has been created. Fosicard combines a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor. Vasodilator drugs of myotropic (kellin, drotaverine, aminophylline) and neurotropic action (phentolamine, ornid, pentamine) are relevant.

Use for cerebrovascular accidents

Cerebrovascular accident remains one of the leading causes of death. This disease can occur in different forms:

  • acute cerebrovascular accident;
  • transient transient disorder in the cerebral vascular basin;
  • chronic malnutrition of parts of the brain.

An acute disorder occurs as a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke of the brain against the background of hypertension or atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels. Such situations require immediate hospitalization and surgical treatment in a neurosurgical hospital. Chronic cerebral vascular disorder may be a consequence of cervical osteochondrosis and vasoconstriction in vertebral artery syndrome.

With atherosclerosis, there is stenosis of the vessels, in which they lose their elasticity, and their lumen narrows not only due to spasm, but due to damage to the inner wall of the artery by atherosclerotic plaques.

What situations require the use of drugs that dilate blood vessels in the brain? In the presence of atherosclerosis, in some areas of the vessel there are zones of pronounced narrowing. Their blood supply is reduced. Vasodilator drugs dilate only a relatively “healthy” area of ​​the vessel. What's next? In a healthy area, the vessel expands and blood flow increases. In the area of ​​blood supply to the diseased vessel, the situation is even worse. Doctors call this situation “reverse Robin Hood syndrome” (taken from the poor and given to the rich). It follows that vasodilator drugs for the brain can be prescribed in the initial stages of the disease, as long as there are no severe atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries.

To improve the condition of cerebral vessels, vasodilators for the head are recommended, which, being calcium antagonists, are called nootropics, that is, drugs that stimulate brain activity, increase the energy potential of the brain, resistance to injury and hypoxia, and improve learning and memory. Their use is especially justified for chronic cerebral ischemia, hypertension, migraine, vasoconstriction, senile dementia, and depression. The predecessor of this group is the drug piracetam, which heads the list of modern nootropics. These are microhydrin, phenibut, glycine, aminalon, cerebrolysin.

Vinpocetine and the analogue Cavinton, the myotropic vasodilator xanthinol nicotinate, and the calcium antagonist cinnarizine are widely used. All of them provide a vasodilating effect.

Use for diseases of the arteries of the extremities

Dangerous vascular diseases of the lower extremities are arterial stenosis. Stenosis of the peripheral arteries of the legs occurs in diseases such as atherosclerosis obliterans, endarteritis obliterans, thromboangiitis obliterans. In the initial stages of the disease, every fifth patient is unaware of the presence of the disease; it is asymptomatic. The development and progression of the disease is facilitated by smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Vascular spasm leads to oxygen starvation of the muscles of the lower extremities, and one of the main symptoms of the disease is muscle pain, especially when walking. After walking a few meters, the patient is forced to stop due to pain in his legs. This symptom is called intermittent claudication.

In later stages, long-term non-healing wounds and ulcers appear on the legs, the leg becomes bluish, pale or red-purple, and hair growth stops in the area of ​​impaired blood supply. The problems are not limited to this list. With complete occlusion of the arteries, gangrene develops, which entails dire consequences - you can lose your leg, in most cases the treatment is surgical - amputation.

Surgical treatment methods are also used at earlier stages. This is angioplasty, installation of a stent that widens the lumen of the vessel. Stenosis of the peripheral vessels of the legs must be treated comprehensively. This is a diet aimed at reducing low-density cholesterol, mandatory smoking cessation, statin drugs, sugar correction under the supervision of an endocrinologist. In the hospital, patients are prescribed droppers with solutions that improve blood flow (rheology).

Prescription of antiplatelet drugs (low doses of aspirin, chimes, cardiomagnyl) is mandatory.

Vasodilator tablets have found use in the treatment of diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities. The myotropic vasodilator nicotinic acid, its derivative drug xanthinol nicotinate, along with them trental and actovegin are used as angioprotectors. For concomitant varicose veins, preference is given to the drugs Detralex and Troxevasin. They go well with herbal venotonics (horse chestnut, red grape leaves).

Myotropic antispasmodics no-spa and papaverine improve muscle nutrition for the lower extremities and relieve pain.

Now that we’ve figured out how to treat the vessels of the legs, let’s talk about the arms. In addition to the same obliterating endarteritis, the vessels of the upper extremities can spasm due to compression of the subclavian artery. The most serious disease in this group of vasospastic diseases is Raynaud's disease and syndrome, which mainly affects young women. Raynaud's disease is a systemic, genetically determined disease that affects small vessels of the arms, and less commonly of the legs. Raynaud's syndrome occurs due to predisposing factors and is a treatable condition, unlike a disease.

Predisposing factors, in addition to gender, are stress, systematic hypothermia, vibration, and rheumatoid diseases. Pianists and typists get sick more often.

In the early stages, these are short-term spasms, then angioparalysis occurs, pastiness, swelling, and a bluish color of the fingertips appear. The trophoparalytic stage of arterial stenosis is accompanied by ulcers, necrosis, and even self-amputation of the phalanges.

What's good for your feet is also good for your hands. You cannot do without drugs to dilate blood vessels. The following groups of vasodilator drugs are prescribed: antispasmodics (no-spa, papaverine), central and peripheral adrenergic blockers (aminazine, tropafen), ganglion blockers (benzohexonium, ganglerone), myotropic vasodilators (nicotinic acid), calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, amlodipine ). Treatment with vasodilator drugs is combined with acupuncture and physiotherapy to restore blood supply.

If the effectiveness of treatment decreases, preganglionic sympathectomy is performed.

Vasodilators of plant origin

The leader among plants with a vasodilating effect is ginkgo biloba; pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements are made on its basis, in which it is often combined with another well-known plant, gotu kola.

Normalize blood pressure, relieve spasms, improve brain function, Baikal skullcap, decoction of hawthorn flowers and berries, parsley seed oil, wild rosemary, buckwheat, basil, oregano, knotweed. Infusions or decoctions with a vasodilating effect are prepared from them, and the raw materials are also used in the manufacture of dietary supplements.

Prescribing drug therapy for spasm and narrowing of the arteries has been and remains the prerogative of the doctor. Treatment of circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain is carried out by a neurologist and neurosurgeon. Cardiac vessels are the concern of a cardiologist. Stenosis of the arteries of the extremities is treated by angiologists and rheumatologists.

Vascular problems also occur in children, especially often in the brain. We emphasize that in this case self-medication is unacceptable. Share your concerns about the presence of vascular spasms and the symptoms that your child has developed with your local pediatrician, and he, in turn, will refer you to the necessary consultation and examination.

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