4-5. AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM VASODILATORS
The agent discussed in this paragraph is thought to dilate blood vessels supplying
blood to skeletal muscles.
Isoxsuprine (Vasodilan). Isoxsuprine is sometimes used in the treatment
of various conditions causing peripheral vascular disease. Dilating blood vessels to
skeletal muscles allows greater blood flow to peripheral areas of the body. Such
increased blood flow alleviates some of the symptoms normally associated with
peripheral vascular disease (for example: numbness or tingling sensations in the toes
and fingers or a feeling of never being warm enough regardless of the atmospheric
temperature). The effectiveness of this agent has not been supported by objective
studies. The side effects associated with isoxsuprine therapy are severe rash (with
some patients), tachycardia, and nausea and vomiting. Vasodilan is supplied as 10
milligram and 20 milligram tablets. The usual daily dosage is 30 milligrams to 80
milligrams in 4 divided doses.
MD0806
4-5