Oral Direct Vasodilators for Hypertension in Children

HydralazineHydralazine

Headache, dizziness, and reflex tachycardia

Use with caution in severe renal and cardiac disease.

Dosage adjustments are needed for children who have renal dysfunction.

MinoxidilMinoxidil

Common adverse effects: Dizziness, hypertrichosis, reflex tachycardia, fluid retention

Severe adverse effects: Heart failure, pulmonary edema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Contraindicated in acute myocardial infarction or pheochromocytoma.

This medication causes significant reflex tachycardia and fluid retention, so may need to be used with a beta-blocker and diuretic.

Dosage adjustments are needed for children who have renal dysfunction.