A vasoactive substance is an endogenous agent or pharmaceutical drug that has the effect of either increasing or decreasing blood pressure and/or heart rate through its vasoactivity, that is, vascular activity (effect on blood vessels).
Vasoactive drug therapy is typically used when a patient has the blood pressure and heart rate monitored constantly.
The dosage is typically titrated (adjusted up or down) to achieve a desired effect or range of values as determined by competent clinicians.
Vasoactive drugs are typically administered using a volumetric infusion device (IV pump).
Various vasoactive agents, such as prostanoids, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and endothelin antagonists, are approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.