About hydralazine hydrochloride
Direct-acting arterial vasodilator
Used for
- Severe high blood pressure when rapid treatment is needed
- High blood pressure during pregnancy, in selected cases
Usual adult dose
Usually 5–10 mg by slow intravenous injection; repeat doses are adjusted to response.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Low blood pressure or dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Important warnings
- Can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and a fast heartbeat.
- Use cautiously with coronary artery disease or rapid heart rhythms.
- Prolonged treatment can rarely cause a lupus-like illness.
- This injection is generally administered by healthcare professionals with blood pressure monitoring.
Pregnancy
May be used for severe high blood pressure in pregnancy under medical supervision.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines may increase low blood pressure.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may increase blood-pressure effects.
- Medicines that increase heart rate may worsen palpitations.
- Hydralazine can increase lithium levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.