Apresoline

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Apresoline

Uses
This medication relaxes and expands blood vessels and is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Notes

It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication.
Learn how to monitor your blood pressure.
Discuss this with your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Apresoline

How To Use

Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Try to take it at the same time(s) each day.
Take with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Side Effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects.
Inform your doctor if you develop chest pain, muscle aches, swelling of the hands or feet or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This drug may cause numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes.
If this occurs, notify your doctor.
A vitamin B6 supplement (pyridoxine) may be recommended.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before you take hydralazine, tell your doctor your medical history especially of heart, blood vessel or kidney disease and of any drug allergies.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Hydralazine is excreted into breast milk.
Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol) and of diazoxide.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.