What is the preferred vasodilator for pulmonary dilation?

The preferred vasodilator for pulmonary dilation is nitroprusside, often referred to by its trade name, Nipride. Nitroprusside is effective because it dilates both arterial and venous blood vessels, leading to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and helping to reduce afterload, which can improve cardiac output. More specifically, its use in the pulmonary circulation allows for direct dilation of the pulmonary vasculature, reducing pulmonary arterial pressure and improving blood flow in the lungs.

While nitroglycerin is also a vasodilator, it predominantly affects the venous system, leading to decreased preload rather than specifically targeting pulmonary vasodilation. Ephedrine, on the other hand, is primarily a sympathomimetic and is not used for vasodilation; it can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, which are opposite effects to what is desired in situations requiring pulmonary dilation. Therefore, in contexts requiring the dilation of pulmonary vessels, nitroprusside stands out as the most effective choice.