Vasodilator

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Vasodilation is where blood vessels in the body become wider following the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the vessel wall. This will reduce blood pressure - since there is more room for the blood.

Vasodilation also occurs in superficial blood vessels of warm-blooded animals when their ambient environment is hot; this process diverts the flow of heated blood to the skin of the animal, where heat can be more easily released into the atmosphere. The opposite physiological process is vasoconstriction.

Vasomotor refers to the muscles and nerves controlling the process of vasodilation.

A vasodilator is a substance that causes vasodilation. Several vasodilators are used as drugs which may, for example, allow blood to flow more easily around a clot.

Flushing may be a physiological response to vasodilators.

[edit] Natural vasodilators and Drugs that Exploit Them

Absence of high levels of environmental noise
Absence of high levels of illumination
Adenosine
- Adenocard - this is primarily used as an anti-arrhythmic.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline vasodilate arterioles of the skeletal muscles. (By acting on beta-2 adrenergic receptors (especially Adrenaline).) These chemicals cause vasoconstriction elsewhere. (especially Noradrenaline)
- Alpha blockers (block the constricting effect of adrenaline).
L-Arginine
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) - a weak vasodilator.
Bradykinin
Ethanol
Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)
Histamine
- Complement proteins C3a, C4a and C5a work by triggering histamine release from mast cells and basophil granulocytes.
Niacin (nicotinic acid)
Nitric oxide
- Glyceryl trinitrate (commonly known as Nitroglycerin)
- Isosorbide mononitrate & Isosorbide dinitrate
- Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)
- Sodium nitroprusside
- PDE5 inhibitors: these agents indirectly increase the effects of nitric oxide
Platelet activating factor (PAF)
Prostacyclin (PGI₂) as well as other prostaglandins.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the major active chemical in marijuana. Its mild vasodilating effects redden the eyes of cannabis smokers.
Theobromine.
Papaverine an alkaloid found in the opium poppy papaver somniferum

v • d • e Major Drug Groups
Brain and Nervous system	Analgesics, Anesthetics, Anxiolytics, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anticonvulsants, Nervous system stimulants, Antiemetics, Hallucinogens, Mood stabilizers
Respiratory system	Bronchodilators, Decongestants
Heart and Circulation	Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Antiarrhythmics, Antianginals, Antihypertensives, Antihyperlipidemics, Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets, Beta blockers, Diuretics, Thrombolytics, Vasodilators
Gastrointestinal tract	Antacids, Antidiarrhoeals, H2-receptor antagonists, Proton pump inhibitors, Laxatives
Muscles, Bones, and Joints	Anti-inflammatories, Antirheumatics, Corticosteroids, Muscle relaxants
Allergy	Antihistamines
Infections and Infestations	Antibiotics, Antivirals, Vaccines, Antiprotozoals, Antifungals, Anthelmintics
Endocrine system	Corticosteroids, Anti-diabetics
Malignant and Immune disease	Anticancer agents, Immunosuppressants
Reproductive system	Hormonal contraception, Fertility agents, Selective estrogen receptor modulators
Skin	Antipruritics