Sometimes you may hear someone say that their blood pressure is too low. This can be a very dangerous, life-threatening condition. In such an emergency, we are talking about a special medicine that can be given to quickly bring blood pressure back to normal. This is called the Angiotensin II injection.
What kind of medicine is Angiotensin II?
Simply put, Angiotensin II is a drug that helps bring your blood pressure back to normal when it gets too low. The main brand name for this drug is GIAPREZA .
This causes the blood vessels in your body to constrict slightly. Imagine that when you slightly constrict a water pipe, the speed and pressure of the water increases, right? Similarly, when the blood vessels become narrower, the pressure of the blood flowing through them increases. This is how the low blood pressure is brought back to the normal level. This is usually used in places like the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital, in very serious cases.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before deciding to give you this medicine, your medical team will ask you a few questions. But it's important that you or someone close to you is aware of these things.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Angiotensin II or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative, you must tell your doctor.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is important to tell your doctor, as some medications can affect the baby in the womb.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Also inform the doctor if you are breastfeeding your baby.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This is not a pill or syrup that you take home. This medicine is given as an infusion, like saline, into a vein. That is, the medicine is given to you by the doctor through a cannula placed in a vein in your arm.
Most importantly, this treatment is performed entirely in a hospital or clinic, under the full supervision of a medical team consisting of doctors and nurses. So there is no reason to worry about your safety.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is administered under the supervision of doctors, the chances of an overdose are usually very low. However, if there is any suspicion that such an overdose has occurred, the medical team will immediately inform the National Poisons Information Center or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the Colombo National Hospital. But do not worry about this, because you are under the protection of the doctors.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Some medications can interact with Angiotensin II, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're already taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and even vitamins.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Absolutely not to be taken | Ergot alkaloids (e.g. dihydroergotamine, ergotamine). These are commonly used for conditions such as migraine. |
| Other medications that may interact | Some medications for blood pressure or heart disease. For example, benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan. It is essential to inform your doctor about these. |
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medication, this one can cause some side effects. But remember, you're under the constant supervision of a medical team, so they're ready to treat any problems quickly.
Symptoms that you should report to your medical team immediately:
| Side effect/symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Difficulty breathing. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or a feeling of warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual or uncomfortable symptoms, please do not hesitate to tell your doctor or nurse.
Where do you keep the medicine?
Since you won't be allowed to take this medicine home, you don't have to worry about storing it. The hospital itself will store it safely at the right temperature.
Take-Home Message
- Angiotensin II is a special medication that is only given in a hospital in case of an emergency when blood pressure is very low.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, other medications you are taking, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The medical team will monitor your condition very closely while you are taking this medicine.
- Notify the medical team immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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