Hydralazine Mechanism Of Action, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings & Interactions
Hydralazine is a vasodilator medication used to treat high blood pressure, a common condition that affects nearly half of adults in the United States. When not treated, high blood pressure can damage the brain, heart, and blood vessels, sometimes resulting in stroke and heart attack. In the following short article we discuss the brand name uses, dosage, side effects, mechanism of action, warnings, and interactions of hydralazine.
Hydralazine Mechanism of Action
Hydralazine lowers blood pressure by exerting a vasodilating effect on blood vessels. It also helps lower blood pressure by lowering effects of vasoconstrictive repression.
Hydralazine Brand Name
Hydralazine is available as the brand name drug Apresoline and as a generic drug.
Uses of Hydralazine
Hydralazine is most often used to treat high blood pressure. It can also be helpful in controlling high blood pressure in a mother during pregnancy or in emergency situations when blood pressure is abnormally high.
Hydralazine Dosage
Your dosage for hydralazine may depend on many factors, including the following:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Strength of dosage
- Time between doses
- Severity of blood pressure
Hydralazine Forms And Strengths
Injectable solution: 20mg/mL
Tablet: 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Hydralazine Dosage For Severe Essential Hypertension
Initial Dose: 10 mg PO q6hr for 2-4 days
Maximum Dose: 50mg per day
Dosage For Congestive Heart Failure
Initial Dose: 10-25mg per day
Maximum Dose: 225-300mg per day
Dosage For Hypertensive Crisis
Initial Dose: 10 mg per day
Maximum Dose: 40mg per day
Hydralazine Side Effects
Hydralazine does have some associated side effects. Some side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of hydralazine include:
- Flushing
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Eye tearing
- Stuffy nose
- Rash
- Vomiting
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects of hydralazine, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Joint pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Numbing or tingling in hands and feet
- Swollen ankles or feet
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
What Are The Warnings Of Hydralazine?
You should not take hydralazine if you have coronary artery disease or rheumatic heart disease which affects the central valve.
Consult your doctor before taking hydralazine if you have, or have ever experienced, any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Agina
- Stroke
Hydralazine can pass into breast milk and cause unwanted side effects. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding and plan to take hydralazine.
Interactions of Hydralazine
Some products contain ingredients that can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Consult with your doctor before taking hydralazine if you currently take MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, and metaxalone.
Hydralazine Mechanism Of Action, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings & Interactions
Hydralazine is a vasodilating drug used to treat and lower high blood pressure. When not treated, high blood pressure can contribute to heart attack, stroke, and even death.
Hydralazine is available as a generic drug and the brand name drug Apresoline. It works to lower blood pressure by exerting a vasodilating effect on blood vessels and lower vasoconstriction.
