Formulary

2.5.1 Vasodilator antihypertensive drugs

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only

These preparations are used here, but are listed elsewhere in the formulary:

Hydralazine
  • Tablets 25mg, 50mg (£8.74 = 50mg four times a day)
  • Powder for solution for injection ampoules 20mg

Indications

Dose

  • Heart failure (initiated in hospital), 25mg 3–4 times daily, increased every 2 days if necessary; usual maintenance dose 50–75mg 4 times daily
  • Hypertension, 25mg 3–4 times daily, increased every 2 days if necessary; usual maintenance dose 50–75mg 4 times daily
Bosentan
  • Tablets 62.5mg, 125mg

Indication

  • Treatment of digital ulceration (DU) in systemic sclerosis in adults

Notes

  1. NHS England (NHSE) will commission sildenafil and bosentan for patients requiring treatment of digital ulceration in systemic sclerosis in adults, in accordance with the criteria outlined in the NHSE Commissioning Policy
    1. Patients requiring treatment with bosentan will be referred by their usual consultant rheumatologist for an opinion from a specialised rheumatology centre
Sodium nitroprusside
  • Solution for infusion vials 50mg/2ml (unlicensed preparation)