Abstract
Urapidil is a peripheral α-blocker as well as a weak central 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist. It reduces peripheral vascular resistance without causing significant reflex tachycardia.
It is very well tolerated. From the perspective of an intensive cardiologist, the intravenous form is important.
Having a rapid, almost immediate onset of action and a relatively rapid cessation of action, urapidil is designed for the management of hypertensive emergencies. Given its high efficacy and parenteral administration, it is certainly suitable for all conditions with a more severe resistant hypertension where enteral treatment is not possible, the efficacy of oral therapy is inadequate, and there is a need for a very rapid onset of action and, at the same time, a risk of a too rapid or too major decrease in blood pressure.
Urapidil is an appropriate first-choice drug for nearly all hypertensive emergencies. However, it is often used without proper knowledge, which is what the present article aims to refresh and complement.