vasodilator

n a drug that causes widening of the blood vessels and therefore an increase in blood flow. Vasodilators are used to lower blood pressure in cases of hypertension. Coronary vasodilators, such as GLYCERYL TRINITRATE , increase the blood flow through the heart and are used to relieve and prevent angina. Large doses of coronary vasodilators cause such side-effects as flushing of the face, severe headache, and fainting. Peripheral vasodilators, such as ALPHA BLOCKER and MOXISYLYTE , affect the blood vessels of the limbs and are used to treat conditions of poor circulation, such as acrocyanosis, chilblains, and Raynaud's disease.