Table: Drugs for Hypertensive Urgencies in Children

Drugs for Hypertensive Urgencies in Children

Type	Drug*	Some Side Effects
Alpha-agonist Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) 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	Clonidine	Significant drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth
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
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	Isradipine	Common side effects: Flushing, swelling of the lower legs or hands Severe side effects: Angioedema (allergic swelling that affects the face, lips, and windpipe and may interfere with breathing)
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	Minoxidil	Common side effects: Dizziness, too low blood pressure, fluid retention Severe side effects: Heart failure, fluid retention in the lungs, Stevens-Johnson syndrome Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are two forms of the same life-threatening skin disorder that cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes. (See also Overview... read more
* These drugs are given by mouth (orally).