Which of the following is NOT a typical side effect of nitrates in treating hypertension?

Which of the following is NOT a typical side effect of nitrates in treating hypertension?

• A. Headache
• B. Hypotension
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Constipation

Answer: (D)

When considering the side effects of nitrates used in treating hypertension, it's important to recognize their pharmacological action. Nitrates primarily function by dilating blood vessels, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. This mechanism is responsible for several common side effects associated with their use. Headache is a frequent side effect experienced by patients taking nitrates. The vasodilation effect can cause increased intracranial pressure and subsequent headache. Hypotension is another typical side effect attributable to the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitrates. Since these medications facilitate vasodilation, they can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure, particularly when patients transition from lying down to standing. Bradycardia can also occur, though it is less common. The vasodilatory effect of nitrates may stimulate reflex bradycardia as the body tries to compensate for the drop in blood pressure. In contrast, constipation is not commonly associated with nitrate therapy. While various medications can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, nitrates do not typically affect gastrointestinal motility in a way that would lead to constipation. Therefore, identifying constipation as the side effect not typically linked with nitrates distinguishes it from the more common effects of headache, hypotension, and potential brady

When considering the side effects of nitrates used in treating hypertension, it's important to recognize their pharmacological action. Nitrates primarily function by dilating blood vessels, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. This mechanism is responsible for several common side effects associated with their use.

Headache is a frequent side effect experienced by patients taking nitrates. The vasodilation effect can cause increased intracranial pressure and subsequent headache.

Hypotension is another typical side effect attributable to the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitrates. Since these medications facilitate vasodilation, they can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure, particularly when patients transition from lying down to standing.

Bradycardia can also occur, though it is less common. The vasodilatory effect of nitrates may stimulate reflex bradycardia as the body tries to compensate for the drop in blood pressure.

In contrast, constipation is not commonly associated with nitrate therapy. While various medications can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, nitrates do not typically affect gastrointestinal motility in a way that would lead to constipation. Therefore, identifying constipation as the side effect not typically linked with nitrates distinguishes it from the more common effects of headache, hypotension, and potential brady