Sometimes your blood pressure can suddenly go very high. A hypertensive crisis like this can be very dangerous. At such times, doctors have to give you a fast-acting medicine to control it quickly. One special medicine used for this is Fenoldopam. This is a medicine that is injected into a vein. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today, because it's important for everyone to be aware of things like this.
What is this medicine called Fenoldopam?
Simply put, fenoldopam is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Its main function is to widen and relax the blood vessels in our body.
Imagine a water pipe that is clogged and narrowed. Then, as water flows through it, there is a lot of pressure, right? Our blood vessels are the same. When they narrow, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which increases blood pressure.
What this fenoldopam medicine does is widen those narrowed blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow easily without any obstruction. This reduces the effort the heart has to pump blood. As a result, blood pressure is controlled and returns to normal levels.
This medication may sometimes be prescribed by doctors for other medical conditions. If you have any questions about it, it's best to ask your doctor for clarification.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this treatment, it is very important to inform your care team about certain things. Because that information will help the doctors decide whether or not to give you this medicine and how to give it. Be sure to tell them about the following things.
| Situation you need to report | Description |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | If you have glaucoma, a condition that causes increased pressure in the eyes, be sure to tell your doctor about it. |
| Lung or respiratory disease | If you have a lung or respiratory disease, such as asthma, inform your doctor. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, fenoldopam, a chemical called sulfites , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, you must definitely tell us. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or expecting a baby, tell your doctor before treatment. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child, it is also very important to inform the doctor. |
How will this medicine be given to you?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. Fenoldopam is a medicine that is only given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff . It is usually given to you through a saline infusion. So you don't have to worry about using it, it all happens under the supervision of doctors and nursing staff.
Use for children
In some special cases, this medicine can be given to children of any age, from newborns. But it is done with great caution and only for special medical reasons. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor about it carefully and find out the details.
What if the dose increases?
Since this is given in a hospital, under medical supervision, the chance of overdose is very low. However, if you think or suspect that something has happened, inform the medical staff immediately. In any emergency, they will refer you to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If you need information about poisonings related to this type of medicine, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, some medications can interact with fenoldopam, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are already taking other medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heartbeat .
This list is not complete. So be sure to tell your doctor a complete list of all medications (prescribed and nonprescription), vitamins, supplements, and herbs you take. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, fenoldopam can cause some side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, while others are usually not serious. Let's look at these separately.
| Side Effect | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | A sudden increase in heart rate or a feeling of pounding. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, a feeling of spinning, blurred vision, a feeling of fainting. |
| Low potassium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, feeling unusually tired or weak, constipation, irregular heartbeat. |
| Changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing colored rings around lights (seeing halos), and loss of vision. |
| Side effects that are often not serious, but should be reported to the medical team if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Redness of the face | Facial flushing. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. |
| Pain at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms in addition to these, please inform your doctor or nursing staff.
How do I store this medicine?
Since this is a medicine given in a hospital, you do not need to take it home or store it. The hospital is fully responsible for this.
Take-Home Message
- Fenoldopam is a special medication that is given intravenously only in a hospital to control sudden high blood pressure.
- This widens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the strain on the heart.
- Before treatment, it is essential to inform your doctor about medical conditions such as glaucoma, asthma, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- You will be closely monitored by medical staff while the medicine is being given.
- Notify the medical team immediately if you experience any changes in your heartbeat, extreme dizziness, changes in vision, or allergic symptoms.
- If you have any questions about your health, talk openly with your doctor.
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