In what way do nitrites primarily differ from nitrates?

Nitrites differ from nitrates primarily in that their primary effect is on arterial dilation. While both nitrites and nitrates are vasodilators and can lead to the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, nitrites typically have a more pronounced action on arterial dilation compared to nitrates, which tend to affect both arteries and veins. This distinction is critical in the context of pharmacology and the treatment of angina.

For instance, nitroglycerin, a nitrate, acts on both veins and arteries, but nitroprusside, a nitrite, is predominantly used for rapid arterial dilation. This specificity can influence clinical decisions based on the patient's condition, particularly in acute situations where rapid reduction of blood pressure or improvement in blood flow to the heart is essential. Understanding this difference helps healthcare professionals effectively manage conditions such as angina and heart failure with the appropriate agent based on their desired action.