Drugs for Hypertensive Emergencies in Children

Type

Drug*

Some Side Effects

Alpha-beta blocker

May cause an abnormally slow heart rate or wheezing

Calcium channel blocker

May cause a fast heart rate

Vasodilator

Headache, fast heart rate

Vasodilator

Sodium nitroprusside†

May cause cyanide toxicity when used for more than 72 hours, or when used in children with kidney failure

May increase pressure in the skull

Beta blocker

May cause a severely abnormally slow heart rate

* These drugs are given by vein (intravenously).