| Nitroglycerin |
Acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary edema, volume overload |
Headache, vomiting reflex tachycardia and methemoglobinemia |
| Nitroprusside |
Use only in the elderly when other alternatives are not available |
Thiocyanate and cyanide intoxication, coronary steal syndrome |
| Nifedipine |
Not recommended in the elderly patient |
Hypotension, coronary steal syndrome, reflex tachycardia |
| Nicardipine |
Most hypertensive crises as a potent vasodilator |
Headache, local phlebitis, vomiting |
| Clevidipine |
Most hypertensive crises |
Headache, tachycardia, heart failure |
| Labetalol |
Acute aortic dissection |
Heart block and bronchoconstriction |
| Esmolol |
Post-operative hypertension, useful in increased cardiac output, easily titration |
Heart block and heart failure |
| Clonidine |
Severe hypertension associated with pain and anxiety |
Rebound hypertension and sedative effects |
| Fenoldopam |
Renal arterial disease, glomerulonephritis or vascular diseases with impaired renal function, very useful |
Headache, tachycardia, nausea and exacerbation of glaucoma |
| Hydralazine |
Not recommended in elderly patients |
Reflex tachycardia and severe hypotension |
