Generic Name: hydralazine (hye DRAL a zeen)
Brand Names: Apresoline
Hydralazine : Important Information
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high and could make you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medication may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Avoid alcohol or use it cautiously during treatment. Alcohol may dangerously increase dizziness.
What is Hydralazine Apresoline
- A vasodilator. It relaxes (widens) veins and arteries, which makes it easier for your heart to pump.
- Used to lower blood pressure.
What to Discuss before Using
- Do not take this medication if you have coronary heart disease or mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease. Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have any type of heart disease.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- have kidney disease
- have systemic lupus erythematosus
- have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke)
- have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood
- have pulmonary hypertension
- You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- In the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- This medication passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are not known. Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience dizziness. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.
Hydralazine Dosage Method
- Take exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Do not stop taking suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high and could make you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Hydralazine Overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an overdose include very low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, confusion), an irregular heartbeat, headache, and flushing of the skin.
Avoid During Treatment
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medication may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position, especially first thing in the morning. You may become dizzy, and you may fall and injure yourself if you get up quickly.
- Avoid alcohol or use it cautiously during treatment. Alcohol may increase dizziness, which could be dangerous.
Hydralazine Side Effects
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- blood in your urine or stools
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of your arms or legs
- irregular or very fast heartbeats
- new or worsening chest pain
- fainting
- Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take this medication and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- a headache
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- water retention, which is indicated by swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles (call your doctor if you suddenly gain more than 5 pounds)
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
- a rash
- fatigue
- ide effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a beta-blocker such as metoprolol (Lopressor) or propranolol (Inderal)
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine such as indomethacin (Indocin)
- diazoxide (Hyperstat, Proglycem)
- You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Hydralazine is a vasodilator that relaxes veins and arteries, and makes easier for heart to pump. Hydralazine drug is used to lower blood pressure.
