Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Hydralazine

  • Do not stop taking hydralazine without consulting your doctor first.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress may be checked.
  • Hydralazine can cause some people to become dizzy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

About hydralazine

Type of medicine Direct-acting vasodilator
Used for High blood pressure
Also called Apresoline
Available as Tablets
Injection

Hydralazine works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels therefore reducing the pressure inside these. As a result of this, blood pressure is lowered.

Before taking hydralazine

Before taking hydralazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, thyroid problems or porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • if you suffer from a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • If you suffer from heart or circulation problems.
  • if you suffer from breathing difficulties.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to take hydralazine

  • Take hydralazine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take hydralazine at the same times each day to avoid missing doses.

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 may be checked.

Can hydralazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Fast or fluttering heartbeat, flushing (redness in the face), swelling of the limbs, headache If these symptoms continue speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Avoid dairy products. If these symptoms continue speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Dizziness Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Unexplained weight loss, pain in the joints If you experience these symptoms contact your doctor.

Less commonly reported side-effects include skin rash and itching, feeling anxious, fever, tiredness and difficulty breathing. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them 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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
615		 DocRef:
dils2312		 Last Updated:
25 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2008		 Version:
22


















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page