What is Hydralazine?
Hydralazine, a vasodilator, works by relaxing muscles in blood vessels. This helps them dilate. This reduces blood pressure and makes it easier for blood to flow through veins and arteries.Hypertension is treated with hydralazine.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of hydralazine.
Side effects of Hydralazine
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Hydralazine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain in your chest or pressure that spreads to your jaw, shoulder, or neck
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Feeling dizzy, as though you could faint.
- You may experience numbness or tingling in your feet or hands.
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- There is little or no urine production.
- Lupus syndrome—joint swelling with fever.
Hydralazine can cause a variety of side effects.
- Chest pain, rapid heart rate
- Headache
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. For reporting purposes, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you have rheumatic heart disease or coronary artery disease that affects the mitral valve, then you should avoid using hydralazine.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- Coronary artery disease
- Rheumatic Heart Disease Affecting the Mitral Valve
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that hydralazine will not harm you:
- Kidney disease
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Angina (chest pain);
- A stroke.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child.Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.The effects of hydralazine on nursing babies are unknown. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility.Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use hydralazine.
How to take hydralazine?
Do not exceed the dosage or duration recommended on your prescription. Take hydralazine only at the recommended dose.You will also need frequent blood tests. Blood tests may be required frequently.Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication as prescribed. High blood pressure can often be symptomless. Blood pressure medication may be needed for the rest of your life.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature for best results.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it as soon as possible. If the next scheduled dosage is imminent, skip the missed one; additional medication should not be taken to make up for a missed one.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for help immediately or call 1-800-222-1222 if a poisonous substance has been detected, in case they need immediate medical intervention.Overdose symptoms include fainting, rapid heartbeats, or warmth under the skin.
What should be avoided?
Avoid standing up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. You may feel dizzy. To avoid a fall, get up slowly.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Diazoxide (an injectable blood pressure medication);
- An mao inhibitor—isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with hydralazine. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
