Table: Drugs for Hypertensive Emergencies in Children

Drugs for Hypertensive Emergencies in Children

Type	Drug*	Some Side Effects
Alpha-beta blocker Adrenergic blockers High blood pressure (hypertension) is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Some children who have high blood pressure need drugs to lower it. (See also High Blood Pressure in Children... read more	Labetalol	May cause an abnormally slow heart rate or wheezing
Calcium channel blocker Calcium channel blockers High blood pressure (hypertension) is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Some children who have high blood pressure need drugs to lower it. (See also High Blood Pressure in Children... read more	Nicardipine	May cause a fast heart rate May raise cyclosporine or tacrolimus levels in the blood of children who take these drugs
Vasodilator Vasodilators High blood pressure (hypertension) is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Some children who have high blood pressure need drugs to lower it. (See also High Blood Pressure in Children... read more	Hydralazine†	Headache, fast heart rate
Vasodilator Vasodilators High blood pressure (hypertension) is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Some children who have high blood pressure need drugs to lower it. (See also High Blood Pressure in Children... read more	Sodium nitroprusside†	May cause cyanide toxicity when used for more than 72 hours, or when used in children with kidney failure May increase pressure in the skull
Beta blocker Adrenergic blockers High blood pressure (hypertension) is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Some children who have high blood pressure need drugs to lower it. (See also High Blood Pressure in Children... read more	Esmolol†	May cause a severely abnormally slow heart rate
* These drugs are given by vein (intravenously).
† This drug is used if labetalol or nicardipine cannot be used or does not work.