ATC Group: C02D Arteriolar smooth muscle, agents acting on

Diazoxide is a peripheral vasodilator and has qualitatively the same effect on blood vessels as benzothiazine compounds, but the effect is more rapid and profound. Unlike benzothiazines, diazoxide is non-diuretic and causes retention of sodium and water. It causes a prompt increase in blood glucose by a direct inhibitory action on the secretion of insulin by the beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.

Dihydralazine is a member of phthalazines.

Hydralazine is a direct acting vasodilator which exerts its effects principally on the arterioles. Its precise mode of action is not known.

Topical administration of minoxidil stimulates hair growth in men and women with androgenic alopecia. The mechanism of stimulating hair growth from minoxidil is not fully understood, but some actions of minoxidil include increasing hair diameter, stimulating new growth and prolonging the developmental phase, and stimulating hair follicle transition from resting phase (telogen) in the growth phase (regenerative).

The principal pharmacological action of nitroprusside is relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and consequent dilation of peripheral arteries and veins. Other smooth muscle (e.g. uterus, duodenum) is not affected. Nitroprusside is more active on veins than on arteries.