Hydralazine Tablelt: Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Hydralazine, also known as Apresoline, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, including high blood pressure during pregnancy. Although the precise mechanism of hydralazine is unknown, its most significant effects are on the cardiovascular system.

Hydralazine Tablet Uses

Hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other medications. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is classified as a vasodilator, working by relaxing blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily through the body.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces elevated blood pressure effectively
• Helps relieve symptoms of heart failure
• Prevents stroke, heart attacks, and kidney problems caused by high blood pressure

Commonly Used For:

• Moderate to severe hypertension
• Congestive heart failure (as part of combination therapy)
• Hypertensive crisis (intravenous form in emergencies)

Conditions Hydralazine Treats:

• Essential hypertension
• Hypertensive emergencies or crisis (IV form)
• Heart failure, especially in African American patients (combined with isosorbide dinitrate)
• Pregnancy-related hypertension (used cautiously when other options are unsuitable)

How Does Hydralazine Work?

Hydralazine works by:

• Relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries (not veins)
• Causing arterial dilation, which lowers peripheral resistance
• This reduces blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart

It acts directly on blood vessels and doesn't depend on hormonal systems like some other blood pressure medications.

How to Use Hydralazine?

Take this medication orally, with or without food, 2 to 4 times per day, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

• Begin with a low dose and gradually increase it as advised.
• Take it regularly to get the most benefit.
• Continue taking even if you feel fine; high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
• Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor; your dose may need to be gradually reduced.
• Notify your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., increased blood pressure readings).

Dosage of Hydralazine

Typical Dosage Instructions:

• Adults (oral): Usually 10-50 mg, 2 to 4 times daily
• Heart failure: Combined with other drugs like nitrates
• IV form: Used in emergencies under medical supervision

Dosage is adjusted based on response and side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

An overdose can be accidental. If more than the prescribed amount is taken, it can harm your body's functions. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose occurs.

Hydralazine Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea
• Swelling in ankles or feet (fluid retention)

Serious side effects may include:

• Flushing
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Eye tearing
• Stuffy nose
• Rash
• Fainting
• Joint or muscle pain
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Swollen ankles or feet
• Numbing or tingling in hands or feet

Precautions and Warnings

Who Should Avoid Hydralazine:

• People with coronary artery disease (can worsen angina)
• Individuals with rheumatic heart disease involving the mitral valve
• Known hypersensitivity to hydralazine

Use With Caution If You Have:

Before taking Hydralazine, inform your doctor if you have any allergies or medical history of:

• Heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease, recent heart attack, rheumatic heart disease of the mitral valve)
• Blood vessel problems
• Previous stroke
• Kidney problems

This medication may cause dizziness; avoid activities requiring alertness until you are sure you can perform them safely. Limit alcohol intake. Use this medication during pregnancy only if prescribed by a doctor. It is excreted in breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Hydralazine?

This medication is typically used in adults to manage various conditions such as hypertension. However, it can also be prescribed for children with high blood pressure. In pediatric cases, dosing must be carefully adjusted based on the child's age, weight, and clinical condition to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Alcohol or Food Interactions

When taking this medication, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, as it can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects and may lead to increased dizziness or lightheadedness. While there are no specific food interactions to be concerned about, following a low-sodium diet is often recommended to help manage blood pressure more effectively and support the medication's therapeutic benefits.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Certain products may interact with this medication, such as:

• MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Products that may increase heart rate, blood pressure, or worsen heart failure (e.g., cough and cold remedies, diet supplements, NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen)

How Should Hydralazine Be Stored?

Recommended Storage:

• Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C / 59°F to 86°F)
• Keep in a dry place away from heat and light
• Do not freeze injectable form
• Keep out of reach of children.

What Happens If Not Stored Properly?

• May lose effectiveness
• Contamination risk (especially injectable form)

Hydralazine vs Nitroglycerin

References