Final answer:
NTG, nicardipine, hydralazine, and SNP vary in their degree of vasodilation. NTG releases nitric oxide and endothelium-derived releasing factor, while nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker. Hydralazine directly relaxes smooth muscles, and SNP dilates arteries and veins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degree of vasodilation for NTG, nicardipine, hydralazine, and SNP varies.
- NTG: Nitroglycerine is believed to release nitric oxide, a known vasodilator, and endothelium-derived releasing factor, which also relaxes the smooth muscle in the coronary vessels.
- Nicardipine: Nicardipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which relax and widen blood vessels in order to improve blood flow.
- Hydralazine: Hydralazine directly relaxes smooth muscles in blood vessels, causing vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.
- SNP: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a potent vasodilator that acts to dilate arteries and veins, reducing total peripheral resistance.