Comparison of the theoretical effects of a putative short acting vasodilator, administered intravenously or by inhalation
| Intravenous | Inhaled | |
| Systemic blood pressure# | Decreased | Unchanged |
| Intrapulmonary shunt | Increased | Decreased |
#: the effects on the systemic circulation will be influenced by the site of intravenous administration (i.e. peripheral venous versus pulmonary artery) and the duration of action the drug has in circulation