is hydralazine a good drug

Precautions

Hydralazine tends to increase heart rate and may cause fluid retention through its action on the kidneys.These effects are usually countered by giving hydralazine along with other medicines like beta-blockers and diuretics, though this is not always possible in pregnant patients.

Does hydralazine increase heart rate?

Hydralazine lowers blood pressure (BP) but also stimulates the heart which may increase the heart rate and lead to angina symptoms. It is not a preferred agent for BP-lowering but may be used in addition to other recommended treatments in people whose BP is hard to control.

Is hydralazine a good blood pressure medicine?

Hydralazine works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels. This means that your blood vessels widen, which reduces your blood pressure and allows blood and oxygen to circulate more freely around your body.

Does hydralazine lower blood pressure?

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• sweating

What are the side effects of hydralazine?

How should I take hydralazine?

What other drugs will affect hydralazine?

What is hydroxylazine used for?

Can you take hydralazine if you have kidney disease?

When was the 2020 meds review?

Can you take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life?

Can you take hydralazine while pregnant?

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Is hydralazine a high risk medication?

It can raise your risk for heart problems, such as chest pain or heart attack. If you need to stop taking this drug, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over two weeks.

Is hydralazine a good blood pressure medicine?

Hydralazine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydralazine is called a vasodilator. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow through the body more easily.

What are the long-term side effects of hydralazine?

What are the long-term side effects of hydralazine? Hydralazine is intended for long-term treatment, often in combination with other drugs. There are no side effects due to the long-term use of hydralazine, but delayed side effects may include heart problems and drug-induced lupus.

Why should I not take hydralazine?

Because hydralazine stimulates cardiac muscle, it may cause chest pain, angina attacks, and ECG changes. Associated with a higher risk of heart attack; therefore, should not be used in people with coronary artery disease.

What can I take instead of hydralazine?

Lisinopril was significantly more effective than hydralazine in reducing night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Is hydralazine hard on kidneys?

Hydralazine can cause severe AKI resulting in CKD or death. Given this extremely unfavorable adverse-event profile and the widespread availability of alternative anti-hypertensive agents, the use of hydralazine should be carefully considered.

Can hydralazine cause stroke?

This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.

How long does it take for hydralazine to lower blood pressure?

Although hydralazine starts working to lower your blood pressure in as little as 1 hour, it only stays in your body for 3 to 7 hours. Because of this short lifespan, the medication has to be taken multiple times to keep your blood pressure under control.

Is hydralazine safe for elderly?

Recommended dosage of intravenous hydralazine is 10–20 mg. Because of its large number of adverse effects, poor safety of dosage, and unpredictable antihypertensive effects, we do not recommend its use in the elderly patients.

How many points does hydralazine lower blood pressure?

Interestingly the majority of the patients (83%) who received intravenous hydralazine experienced less than the recommended 25% reduction in BP for the treatment of hypertensive emergency.

What is the best time to take hydralazine?

If you are to take a single dose a day, take it in the morning after breakfast. If you are to take more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 6 p.m., unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Does hydralazine make you urinate more?

This medicine may cause you to have an unusual feeling of tiredness when you begin to take it. You may also notice an increase in the amount of urine or in your frequency of urination.

How long does it take for hydralazine to lower blood pressure?

Although hydralazine starts working to lower your blood pressure in as little as 1 hour, it only stays in your body for 3 to 7 hours. Because of this short lifespan, the medication has to be taken multiple times to keep your blood pressure under control.

What does hydralazine do to the heart?

Hydralazine works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

What is the best time to take hydralazine?

If you are to take a single dose a day, take it in the morning after breakfast. If you are to take more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 6 p.m., unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

How often can you take hydralazine?

Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) four times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg four times a day. Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use hydralazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. coronary artery disease; or 2. rheumatic heart disease affecting the m...

How Should I Take Hydralazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Your blood...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, warmth or tingling...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Hydralazine?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Hydralazine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: 1. diazoxide (an injectable blood pressure medicatio...

Does hydralazine make you urinate more?

No, hydralazine is not known to increase how often you urinate because it is not considered a water pill. It works by relaxing your blood vessels t...

Is hydralazine the same as Apresoline?

Apresoline is the old brand name for hydralazine, but the brand name is no longer available in the US. Some websites still use the name Apresoline....

Why does hydralazine have to be taken so many times per day?

Although hydralazine starts working to lower your blood pressure in as little as 1 hour, it only stays in your body for 3 to 7 hours. Because of th...

If I miss a dose, can I take 2 doses at the same time?

No. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or provid...

Hydralazine: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 12 Oct 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 21 Sep 2022), ASHP (updated 12 Oct 2022 ...

Hydralazine Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 12 Oct 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 21 Sep 2022), ASHP (updated 12 Oct 2022 ...

Hydralazine Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures ... - WebMD

Find patient medical information for hydralazine oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings.

Hydralazine | Side Effects, Dosage, Uses & More - Healthline

Hydralazine is an oral and injectable drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage, and more.

Common and Rare Side Effects for Hydralazine HCL

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except ...

Hydralazine (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic

Side Effects. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

How does hydralazine work?

Hydralazine is a vasodilator - this means it relaxes smooth muscle inside blood vessels, making the blood vessels wider, and allowing more blood to flow through. This reduces how much force the heart has to exert to pump blood through the blood vessels, and reduces blood pressure.

How many strengths of Hydralazine are there?

Oral tablets are available as 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths. Hydralazine 37.5mg is also available in fixed combination with isosorbide dinitrate 20mg.

How much hydralazine is in an IV?

Usually, oral tablets are given but the injectable form of hydralazine may be used by healthcare providers when there is an urgent need to lower blood pressure or if the oral tablets cannot be given. 20–25 mg of IV hydralazine hydrochloride is approximately equal to 75–100 mg of oral hydralazine hydrochloride.

How long does it take for hydralazine to reach peak levels?

6. Response and effectiveness. Peak blood levels of hydralazine are usually reached one to two hours after oral hydralazine; sooner if injectable hydralazine is used.

How long does it take for hydralazine to cause rash?

Symptoms may occur anywhere from three weeks to two years after taking hydralazine and include rash, fever, weight loss, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, and kidney inflammation. Seek urgent medical advice if this occurs. The oral tablets require 2 to 4 times daily administration.

Does hydralazine lower blood pressure?

4. Bottom Line. Hydralazine lowers blood pressure (BP) but also stimulates the heart which may increase the heart rate and lead to angina symptoms. It is not a preferred agent for BP-lowering but may be used in addition to other recommended treatments in people whose BP is hard to control.

Can you take hydralazine during pregnancy?

May interact with some drugs including MAOI antidepressants and other antihypertensives. Hydralazine should be avoided during the first trimesters of pregnancy and its use is not recommended during the third trimester unless its benefits outweigh its risks.

What are the side effects of hydralazine?

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

How does hydralazine work?

Hydralazine is known as a vasodilator. This drug class works by relaxing blood vessels which then lowers your blood pressure.

What are the risks and warnings for hydralazine?

Hydralazine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

How much does hydralazine cost?

Hydralazine is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

How long does hydralazine stay in your system?

Although hydralazine starts working to lower your blood pressure in as little as 1 hour, it only stays in your body for 3 to 7 hours. Because of this short lifespan, the medication has to be taken multiple times to keep your blood pressure under control.

Does Hydralazine interact with other medications?

Hydralazine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with hydralazine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Can Hydralazine cause a fever?

Let your provider know if you develop a fever, rash on your cheeks or pain in your joints and muscles while taking hydralazine because these could be signs of lupus-like symptoms caused by the medication.

What is hydralazine used for?

Hydralazine is a direct arteriole vasodilator. Although the mechanism is not completely understood, it is theorized to be associated with intracellular calcium homeostasis. Specifically, it acts to inhibit inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-induced release of calcium from the smooth muscle cells sarcoplasmic reticulum and inhibits myosin phosphorylation within the arterial smooth muscle.[2]  This reduces peripheral vascular resistance and leads to a compensatory baroreceptor-mediated release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which, as a result, increases venous return and cardiac output. Given hydralazine’s stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, it consequently leads to tachyphylaxis and tachycardia. It is sometimes given with a beta-blocker or diuretic for better patient tolerance. [2]

Why is hydralazine used in hospitals?

Reasons for this include highly variable blood pressure changes and adverse hypotensive episodes. [4]

How long does it take for hydralazine to cause lupus?

Hydralazine-related DILE, also know as hydralazine-induced lupus syndrome (HILS), usually occurs with greater than 6 months of exposure, and roughly 5-8% of hydralazine users are at risk of developing DILE.[12]  The incidence of HILS is dose-dependent. The syndrome typically manifests with arthralgias, myalgias, serositis, and fevers; cardiac involvement is rare [13]. The risk factors for developing DILE include slow acetylator phenotype, family history of autoimmune disease, and decreased renal function. There have also been associations between DILE occurrence and certain human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Discontinuation of hydralazine usually resolves the lupus-like syndrome. [12]

What is the first line of treatment for hypertension?

IV hydralazine along with IV labetalol are considered first-line therapy for the treatment of acute-onset, severe hypertension in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. Either of these medications should be administered during the intrapartum or postpartum period if severe blood pressure persists greater than 15 minutes. [5]

Is hydralazine a vasodilator?

Hydralazine is a direct vasodilator used orally to treat essential hypertension, among other diseases, and intravenously to rapidly reduce blood pressure in hypertensive urgency or emergency. Per JNC 8 guidelines, it is not a first-line agent for the treatment of essential hypertension. This is due to hydralazine’s stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, among several other adverse effects that make the current newer first-line agents more efficacious. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, administration, contraindications, and adverse effects of hydralazine.

Can hydralazine be used as a preload?

For African Americans with HFrEF, the combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate can be added to medication therapy if the patient is already receiving an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or ARNI and a beta-blocker.[6]  In clinical practice, this combination has been used in heart failure patients as a preload and afterload reducer, especially in patients who cannot tolerate beta-blockers and ACE-inhibitors or ARBs and would benefit from therapy reducing their systolic blood pressures. [8]

Does hydralazine cause myocardial ischemia?

Coronary artery disease: this is due to hydralazine’s stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to increased cardiac output and oxygen demand which can provoke myocardial ischemia. [18]

What is hydralazine used for?

Hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure. Hydralazine is in a class of medications called vasodilators. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, ...

How should this medicine be used?

Hydralazine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four a day. Take hydralazine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydralazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What to keep on a prescription list?

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

What happens if you don't treat high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body . Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle ...

Can you take hydralazine more often?

Take hydralazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Hydralazine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take hydralazine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking hydralazine without talking to your doctor.

Is it safe to put eye drops in a container?

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Can you get pregnant while taking Hydralazine?

If you become pregnant while taking hydralazine, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking hydralazine. ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking hydralazine. Alcohol can make the side effects from hydralazine worse.

What is hydralazine used for?

Hydralazine is an oral and injectable drug that’s used to treat high blood pressure. It’s used alone or in combination with other blood pressure-lowering drugs. Common side effects include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heart rate, and chest pain.

What happens if you don't take hydralazine?

If you don’t take hydralazine as prescribed by your doctor, your blood pressure may stay high (hypertension). This increases your chance of having a stroke and heart attack.

What to do if you have serious side effects?

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

What to do if you take too much Hydralazine?

If you think that you’ve taken too much hydralazine, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

Is hydralazine a prescription drug?

Hydralazine is a prescription drug. It’s available as an oral tablet and an injection. The injection is only given by a healthcare provider .

Can you stop taking Hydralazine?

Don’t stop taking hydralazine suddenly. Doing so may lead to uncontrolled high blood pressure. This can put you at a higher risk for heart problems, such as chest pain or a heart attack. If you need to stop taking this drug, your doctor will slowly decrease your dose over two weeks.

Does hydralazine cause dizziness?

This may raise your chance for side effects such as an excessive drop in blood pressure or dizziness .

How many ratings does hydroxyzine have?

Hydralazine has an average rating of 2.7 out of 10 from a total of 73 ratings on Drugs.com. 12% of those users who reviewed Hydralazine reported a positive effect, while 76% reported a negative effect.

Is hypertensive emergency medication favorable for all?

For Hypertensive Emergency: “This medication is not favorable for all. My husband’s BP became erratic since he was put on this medication. It lowers the BP drastically once it’s taken and and metabolized by the body. Once it’s out of the system, BP readings go up so high, the highest 234/117.”

Is hydralazine safe for high blood pressure?

For High Blood Pressure: “Hydrolazine is a fast-acting drug to treat high blood pressure! Avoid this medication at all costs. The side effects I experienced included dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, vomiting and rapid fluctuations of blood pressure readings. I've been taken to the hospital twice in an ambulance from that med! I recognize that prescription meds affect everyone differently, but please read the list of side effects before allowing your doctor to prescribe Hydralazine. I would rather have a slower acting blood pressure med that gradually decreased blood pressure and kept it down. With all the blood pressure meds out there, there is no reason to use this med. Avoid it like the plague!”

Is Hydralazine a robust drug?

As best I can tell, hydralazine has one-and only one-“robust,” evidence-based indication: the treatment of systolic heart failure in African-American patients. The majority of patients that I saw did not have an evidence-based indication.

Can hydralazine cause tachycardia?

2 If hydralazine is administered without a beta blocker, the compensatory tachycardia is unwelcome in patients with coronary disease.

Is Hydralazine good for primetime?

Furthermore, its effect on clinical outcomes remains uncertain.”1 In an era where antihypertensive agents not only lower blood pressure, but also add other substantial benefits (cardioprotection, reduced proteinuria) hydralazine is not good enough for primetime.

Does hydralazine dilate the afferent glomerular arteriole?

Unlike ACEIs and ARBS, hydralazine dilates the afferent glomerular arteriole, increasing intraglomerular pressure. 3 This glomerular hyperfiltration is exactly what is unwanted in patients with diabetes and albuminuria.

What is the best medication for high blood pressure?

There are many types of drugs that treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. One such drug is hydralazine, a direct-acting vasodilator. When this medication is not an option, the vasodilator minoxidil (Loniten) may work. Like hydralazine, minoxidil relaxes muscles in the walls of the arteries to allow blood to flow more freely.

What is the best medicine for preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that dangerously increases blood pressure during pregnancy. Hydralazine is one drug that can regulate blood pressure quickly. Other possibilities include labetalol (Normodyne), a beta-blocker that reduces blood pressure by blocking the activation of certain receptors. Another option is nifedipine (Adalat), ...

What is the best treatment for congestive heart failure?

That said, popular CHF treatments include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like enalapril (Vasotec) or lisinopril (Zestril). Medical providers may also prescribe beta-blockers to reduce the risks of an abnormal heartbeat.

Is hydralazine the right medicine for every patient?

Hydralazine may not be the right choice for every patient. In such cases, it is important to discuss with a medical provider potential hydralazine alternatives.

Does minoxidil help with high blood pressure?

Like hydralazine, minoxidil relaxes muscles in the walls of the arteries to allow blood to flow more freely. There are many other alternatives available for treating high blood pressure.

Is hydroxyzine a good antihistamine?

However, people still sometimes mistake it for another drug with a similar name: hydroxyzine. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) is an antihistamine that medical providers sometimes prescribe to treat anxiety and nausea in addition to allergy-related problems.

How should I take hydralazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take hydralazine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What other drugs will affect hydralazine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

What is hydroxylazine used for?

This lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries. Hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hydralazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Can you take hydralazine if you have kidney disease?

Before taking this medicine. You should not use hydralazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have: coronary artery disease; or. rheumatic heart disease affecting the mitral valve. To make sure hydralazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; systemic lupus erythematosus;

When was the 2020 meds review?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 31, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

Can you take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life?

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Can you take hydralazine while pregnant?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Hydralazine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby are not known. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Hydralazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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Response and Effectiveness

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References

• Hydralazine lowers blood pressure (BP) but also stimulates the heart which may increase the heart rate and lead to angina symptoms. It is not a preferred agent for BP-lowering but may be used in addition to other recommended treatments in people whose BP is hard to control. Hydralazine is one of the most common drugs associated with drug-induced sy...

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