Products
Urapidil is commercially available as a solution for injection (Ebrantil). It has been approved in many countries since 1983.
Structure and properties
Urapidil (C20H29N5O3, Mr = 387.5 g/mol) is a derivative of uracil and piperazine. It is present in drugs as urapidil hydrochloride.
Effects
Urapidil (ATC C02CA06) has antihypertensive and sympatholytic properties. It lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure and usually leaves heart rate unaffected. The effects are due to peripheral antagonism at alpha1-adrenoceptors and central agonism at serotonin 5HT1A receptors.
Indications
For the treatment of acute hypertensive crises.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered intravenously to recumbent patients as an injection or infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Aortic isthmus stenosis, arteriovenous shunt
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Other antihypertensive agents may cause increased lowering of blood pressure. Combination with an ACE inhibitor is not recommended. Other drug interactions are possible with cimetidine.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include dizziness, headache, and nausea. Other side effects that occasionally occur include vomiting, palpitations, a fast or slow heartbeat, a feeling of pressure behind the breastbone, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sweating.
