BiDil is a combination drug containing two active ingredients: isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine. Therefore, it belongs to two classes of drugs: nitrates and vasodilators.
Breakdown of BiDil's Components and Drug Classes:
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Isosorbide Dinitrate: This component is a nitrate. Nitrates work by dilating (widening) blood vessels. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and reduces the workload on the heart.
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Hydralazine: This component is a vasodilator. Vasodilators also work by widening blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Why BiDil is Used:
BiDil is specifically used to treat heart failure, especially in self-identified Black/African-American patients. The combination of a nitrate and a vasodilator in BiDil can be more effective than either drug alone for this specific population.
