What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vasodilator
Example
The doctor prescribed a vasodilator to treat my high blood pressure. [vasodilator: noun]
Example
Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator used to treat angina. [vasodilator: adjective]
hypotensive
Example
The patient was given a hypotensive drug to manage their hypertension. [hypotensive: noun]
Example
The hypotensive effect of the medication caused the patient's blood pressure to drop significantly. [hypotensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hypotensive is more commonly used than vasodilator in everyday language. Hypotensive is a more general term that covers a wider range of medications and treatments, while vasodilator is a more specific term that refers to drugs that specifically target blood vessel dilation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vasodilator and hypotensive?
Both vasodilator and hypotensive are formal terms typically used in medical contexts.