Information on Apresoline and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Apresoline Consumer Information

APRESOLINE

Generic Name: hydralazine (hye DRAL a zeen)

Brand Names: Apresoline

What is the most important information I should know about hydralazine?

  • Do not stop taking hydralazine suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high and could make you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydralazine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
  • Avoid alcohol or use it cautiously while taking hydralazine. Alcohol may dangerously increase dizziness caused by hydralazine.

What is hydralazine?

  • Hydralazine is a vasodilator. It relaxes (widens) veins and arteries, which makes it easier for your heart to pump.
  • Hydralazine is used to lower blood pressure.
  • Hydralazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydralazine?

  • Do not take hydralazine if you have coronary heart disease or mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease. Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have any type of heart disease.
  • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
    • have kidney disease,
    • have systemic lupus erythematosus,
    • have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke),
    • have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood, or
    • have pulmonary hypertension.
  • You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Hydralazine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydralazine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take hydralazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
  • Hydralazine passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are not known. Do not take hydralazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  • If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience dizziness from hydralazine. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.

How should I take hydralazine?

  • Take hydralazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Do not stop taking hydralazine suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high and could make you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
  • Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a hydralazine overdose include very low blood pressure (fainting, dizziness, confusion), an irregular heartbeat, headache, and flushing of the skin.

What should I avoid while taking hydralazine?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydralazine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
  • Use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position, especially first thing in the morning. You may become dizzy while taking hydralazine, and you may fall and injure yourself if you get up quickly.
  • Avoid alcohol or use it cautiously while taking hydralazine. Alcohol may increase the dizziness caused by hydralazine, which could be dangerous.

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