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Hydralazine

Generic Name: Hydralazine Hydrochloride

Brand Names: Apresoline

Hydralazine is a vasodilator used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, often combined with nitrates.

CardiovascularVasodilator

What It's Used For

Hydralazine is prescribed for:

It directly relaxes blood vessel walls to lower blood pressure.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Serious side effects:

  • Lupus-like syndrome (with high doses)
  • Severe hypotension
  • Angina
  • Fluid retention

Additional Information

What is Hydralazine?

Hydralazine is a direct-acting vasodilator that has been used for decades to treat hypertension and heart failure.

Mechanism

Hydralazine works by:

  • Directly relaxing arterial smooth muscle
  • Reducing peripheral vascular resistance
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Decreasing afterload on the heart

Special Considerations

When combined with isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil), hydralazine is particularly effective for heart failure in African American patients, based on the A-HeFT trial.

Lupus-Like Syndrome

Long-term use of high doses may cause a lupus-like syndrome. Regular monitoring is important.

For details, see MedlinePlus.

Related Health Conditions

This medication is commonly used to treat or manage the following conditions:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) results from plaque buildup in coronary arteries (atherosclerosis), restricting blood flow and potentially causing angina, heart attack, or heart failure, influenced by factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Learn More

Heart Failure Due to Coronary Artery Disease

Heart failure stemming from coronary artery disease arises from narrowed arteries restricting blood flow, weakening or stiffening the heart muscle and reducing its pumping efficiency.

Learn More

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease, causes pain, stiffness, and reduced motion due to cartilage breakdown from aging, genetics, obesity, injuries, or repetitive stress.

Learn More

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension, an elevated pressure in the portal vein due to blockage often from cirrhosis or other pre-hepatic causes, can lead to serious complications like bleeding and ascites.

Learn More

Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension

Secondary pulmonary hypertension, unlike its primary form, arises from underlying conditions such as heart/lung disease, blood clots, or connective tissue disorders, increasing lung artery pressure.

Learn More

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health condition and medical history.

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