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Hydralazine injection is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used in an emergency to treat dangerously high blood pressure. This medication may be used when medications cannot be taken by mouth. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydralazine is called a vasodilator and works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.This drug may also be used with other medications to treat heart failure.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Hydralazine
Uses
Hydralazine injection is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used in an emergency to treat dangerously high blood pressure. This medication may be used when medications cannot be taken by mouth. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydralazine is called a vasodilator and works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.This drug may also be used with other medications to treat heart failure.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, complete blood count, antinuclear antibody titer-ANA) may be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.Have your blood pressure checked regularly after release from the hospital.
- Learn how to monitor your blood pressure, and share the readings with your doctor.Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of blood pressure medicines.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Storage
- Store vials at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, severe dizziness, severe headaches, chest/jaw/left arm pain, cold sweats, irregular breathing, blue lips, fast/weak heartbeat.
How To Use
- This medication is usually given in the hospital by a health care professional by injection into a muscle or vein, as directed by your doctor.
- It may be given as often as needed.Before giving this medication, learn all directions for preparation and usage.
- Inspect it visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- Use the medication immediately after opening the vial.
- Do not mix with any other fluids for injection.Your health care professional should observe you while you are receiving all doses injected into a vein.
- Your blood pressure and heartbeat will be monitored regularly while you are receiving this medication.Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.
Side Effects
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, flushing, eye watering/redness/itchiness, or stuffy nose may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, unusual/persistent dizziness, shaking (tremor), muscle cramps, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety), trouble urinating, severe vomiting, severe constipation, decreased sexual ability.This medication may infrequently cause nerve problems.
- Tell your doctor promptly if you experience numbness or tingling.
- Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin B6 supplement (pyridoxine).This medication may infrequently cause a serious immune system problem (systemic lupus erythematosus), which may occur with or without a certain severe kidney problem (glomerulonephritis).
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: unusual tiredness, joint/muscle aches, unusual fever, butterfly-shaped facial rash, swollen glands, bloody/pink urine, swelling of the feet/ankles.Your doctor may need to order special tests if you experience these symptoms.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of a serious infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of serious liver problems (e.g., yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using hydralazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: chest pain (angina), previous heart attack, a certain heart valve problem (rheumatic heart disease of the mitral valve).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel problems, high pressure in the brain (intracranial pressure), previous stroke, kidney failure, liver problems, a certain immune system disease (lupus), recent nerve surgery (e.g., sympathectomy).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause temporary blurred vision.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activities that require alertness and clear vision.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose while in the hospital, tell your nurse or doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: epinephrine, certain medications for high blood pressure (e.g., diazoxide), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or cause a fast heartbeat (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, clemastine, ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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