Hydralazine (By injection)
hye-DRAL-a-zeen
Treats high blood pressure.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Peripheral Vasodilator, Peripheral Vasodilator (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Hydralazine injection is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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 to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how hydralazine works. Tell your doctor if you are using diazoxide or an MAO inhibitor.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to hydralazine, or if you have coronary artery disease or rheumatic heart disease.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, lupus, or if you had a heart attack or stroke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lupus-like syndrome Changes in heart rhythm Nerve problemsThis medicine may lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, faintness
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Redness, pain, swelling, itching, blistering, or rash where the shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Amerinet Choice hydrALAZINE HCl, Apresoline, Novaplus HydrALAZINE Hydrochloride, Novaplus hydrALAZINE HCl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
