About hydralazine

Hydralazine works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. It may be used alone or alongside other medicines to reduce high blood pressure.

Hydralazine is also used alongside other medicines to treat heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced).

Before taking hydralazine

Before taking hydralazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have kidney or liver problems.
• If you suffer from a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
• If you have coronary artery disease (a disorder of the blood vessels to the heart).
• If you have cerebrovascular disease (a disorder of the blood vessels to the brain).
• If you know you have heart disease caused by an overactive thyroid or by high blood pressure in the lungs.
• If you have any other heart problem.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take hydralazine

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take hydralazine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take hydralazine at the same times each day to avoid missing doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not stop taking hydralazine without consulting your doctor first.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking hydralazine.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can hydralazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: If you experience loss of weight, arthritis or any other unexplained ill health, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store hydralazine

• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines