Hydralazine

Introduction To Hydralazine

Hydralazine belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is used for the treatment of severe or life-threatening hypertension (high blood pressure), when the drug cannot be given orally or when there is an urgent need to lower blood pressure in hospitalised patients.

Hydralazine works by relaxing and enlarging certain small blood vessels so that blood flows through them more easily. It is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self administered. Certain patients (especially those with marked kidney damage) may require a lower dose. Blood pressure should be checked frequently. It may begin to fall within a few minutes after injection, with the average maximal decrease occurring in 10-80 minutes.

Hydralazine should be used immediately after opening. It should not be added to other solutions. It may discolor upon contact with metal; discolored solutions should be discarded. Some of the common side effects of this medicine are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and increased heart rate. Please contact your doctor if these side effects do not resolve or persist for a longer duration.

Uses of Hydralazine

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Benefits of Hydralazine

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hydralazine is a medicine used to treat severe or life-threatening hypertension (high blood pressure). It increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart and other organs by relaxing blood vessels, thereby, lowering your blood pressure. It is usually given as a slow injection by a doctor or healthcare professional.

If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective.

Side effects of Hydralazine

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Dralgeen

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Increased heart rate
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Palpitations
  • Vomiting

How to use Hydralazine

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Hydralazine works

Hydralazine is a potassium channel opener. It works by relaxing blood vessels which lowers blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart and other organs.

Quick tips

  • Hydralazine is usually given as a slow injection into your veins by a doctor or healthcare professional.

  • It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform activities that require mental focus until you know how Hydralazine affects you.

  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Inform your doctor about taking this medicine before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Hydralazine if I’m pregnant?

Hydralazine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Hydralazine if I’m breastfeeding?

Hydralazine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Hydralazine safe?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Hydralazine.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Hydralazine?

Hydralazine may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. As Hydralazine may cause headaches or lead to difficulty in concentration and this may affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Hydralazine if I have/had kidney diseases?

Hydralazine should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Hydralazine may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended for better dose adjustment.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Hydralazine if I have/had liver diseases?

Hydralazine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Hydralazine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Hydralazine?

What is it used for? Hydralazine belongs to a class of medicines known as potassium channel openers. It helps in the removal of potassium from the walls of arteries. This results in increased space in the arteries for the blood to flow easily, thereby reducing the workload of the heart to pump the blood. It also improves the blood and oxygen supply to your heart muscle. It is prescribed to patients with stable angina (heart-related chest pain) who cannot take other medicines (beta blockers, calcium channel antagonist) meant for the treatment of angina.

Q. How long does it take Hydralazine to start working?

Hydralazine starts working after about an hour of taking the medicine. However, full benefits may be seen only after 4 to 5 days. Consult your doctor if you do not notice any significant improvement in your condition.

Q. What if somebody accidentally takes an excess of Hydralazine?

Taking Hydralazine in excess may cause low blood pressure and the person may feel weak or dizzy. Also, one may experience irregular or fast heartbeat. In case of an overdose, immediately consult the doctor and seek emergency medical help.

Q. Can I take Hydralazine if I am taking aspirin?

You should avoid taking Hydralazine and aspirin together. Taking these two medicines together increases the risk of ulcer or bleeding in the mouth, stomach or intestine. Immediately consult your doctor if you notice blood in your stool or vomit while using Hydralazine.

Q. Who should not use Hydralazine?

People who are allergic to Hydralazine or any of its ingredients should avoid using Hydralazine. Also, patients who have heart problems such as cardiogenic shock or left ventricular failure with low filling pressure or cardiac decompensation or have a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) should not use Hydralazine. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using Hydralazine in people taking medicines to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) or medicines to treat pulmonary hypertension (e.g., riociguat). This is because these medicines may interfere with the working of Hydralazine and affect your blood pressure. Fluctuations in blood pressure could also be due to low blood volume.

Q. Can Hydralazine affect my sex life?

No, Hydralazine does not affect your sex life. However, it is not recommended to take Hydralazine with other medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil or tadalafil) or premature ejaculation (e.g., vardenafil or dapoxetine). Taking these together can lead to a serious drop in your blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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