Which medication is considered a vasodilator and may cause lupus-like syndrome?

Which medication is considered a vasodilator and may cause lupus-like syndrome?

• A. Minoxidil
• B. Hydralazine
• C. Methyldopa
• D. Kapvay ER

Answer: (B)

The medication that is considered a vasodilator and may cause lupus-like syndrome is hydralazine. Hydralazine works by relaxing the muscles in blood vessels, leading to their dilation and, consequently, a decrease in blood pressure. One of the notable side effects of hydralazine is its potential to induce a lupus-like syndrome, particularly in individuals who may be predisposed or when taken in high doses over a prolonged period. This syndrome can manifest with symptoms similar to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), such as joint pain, fever, rash, and other autoimmune-like symptoms. While minoxidil, another vasodilator, has its side effects, it does not commonly cause lupus-like syndrome. Methyldopa is primarily an antihypertensive medication with different mechanisms of action and side effects. As for Kapvay ER, it is not classified as a vasodilator and is used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment, making it unrelated to this particular condition.

The medication that is considered a vasodilator and may cause lupus-like syndrome is hydralazine. Hydralazine works by relaxing the muscles in blood vessels, leading to their dilation and, consequently, a decrease in blood pressure.

One of the notable side effects of hydralazine is its potential to induce a lupus-like syndrome, particularly in individuals who may be predisposed or when taken in high doses over a prolonged period. This syndrome can manifest with symptoms similar to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), such as joint pain, fever, rash, and other autoimmune-like symptoms.

While minoxidil, another vasodilator, has its side effects, it does not commonly cause lupus-like syndrome. Methyldopa is primarily an antihypertensive medication with different mechanisms of action and side effects. As for Kapvay ER, it is not classified as a vasodilator and is used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment, making it unrelated to this particular condition.