$Unique_ID{BRK01977}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{HYDRALAZINE}
$Subject{Alazine (Major)
Apresoline (Ciba)
hydralazine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


HYDRALAZINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Alazine (Major)
     Apresoline (Ciba)
     hydralazine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     hydralazine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     Hydralazine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure.
Hydralazine is a vasodilator that directly relaxes the muscle of the blood
vessels and allows the blood to flow at a lower force, which causes a lowering
of blood pressure.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation while you are taking this
medication, you can take your dose of hydralazine with food or with a glass of
water or milk.  To become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it
at the same time(s) each day.  It may take up to two weeks before the full
effects of this medication are observed.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the
next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.
     Hydralazine does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, headache,
light-headedness, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nasal congestion, nausea,
or vomiting.  These minor side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to therapy with this medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.  To
avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the
muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing one
foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet
so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, chest pain, confusion, cramping, depression, difficulty in urinating,
fever, itching, numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes, palpitations,
rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week), rash, shortness of
breath, sore throat, tenderness in the joints and muscles, tiredness, unusual
bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Hydralazine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. The combination of alcohol and hydralazine can lead to dizziness and
fainting.  You should, therefore, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while
taking this medication.
     2. Used within 14 days of a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor,
hydralazine can cause severe reactions.
     Before you start to take hydralazine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially an MAO inhibitor.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to hydralazine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had angina, heart disease, stroke, a
heart attack, or kidney disease.
     * To avoid dizziness or fainting, try not to stand for long periods of
time, and avoid drinking alcohol.  You should also try not to get overheated
(avoid exercising strenuously in hot weather and avoid taking hot baths,
showers, and saunas).
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any
activities that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy, asthma,
sinus, cough, cold, or diet products unless you first consult your doctor or
pharmacist.  The combination of these medications with hydralazine may cause
an increase in blood pressure.
     * Some hydralazine formulations contain the color additive FD&C Yellow
No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (rash, shortness
of breath, fainting) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Do not stop taking this medication until you check with your doctor.
If this drug is stopped abruptly, you could experience a sudden rise in blood
pressure and other complications.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to
decrease your dosage gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although studies in
humans have not been conducted, hydralazine crosses the placenta, and studies
have shown that it causes birth defects in the offspring of animals that
received large doses of it during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you
are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether hydralazine passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
