Sodium nitroprusside, hydralazine, and enalapril are all examples of which drug category?

• A. Antihypertensives
• B. Beta blockers
• C. Diuretics
• D. Analgesics

Answer: (A)

All three drugs are antihypertensives—the category of medications used to lower blood pressure. Sodium nitroprusside acts as a potent vasodilator, quickly relaxing both arteries and veins to drop blood pressure. Hydralazine is a direct-acting vasodilator that reduces peripheral resistance. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that lowers angiotensin II levels, leading to vasodilation and less aldosterone-mediated fluid retention. Despite different mechanisms, they share the common therapeutic goal of controling high blood pressure, which is why they’re grouped together.

They aren’t beta blockers, which mainly slow the heart and reduce its workload; they aren’t diuretics, which lower blood pressure by removing excess fluid; and they aren’t analgesics, which relieve pain.