About hydralazine hydrochloride
Direct-acting vasodilator
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure, with other medicines
Usual adult dose
High blood pressure: typically 10 mg four times daily initially; adjusted gradually. Heart failure: dosing is individualized.
Usual dose in children
For high blood pressure, dosing is weight-based and prescribed by a specialist.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting.
- Long-term use can rarely cause a lupus-like illness.
- Use caution with heart disease, especially coronary artery disease.
- Do not stop regular treatment without medical guidance.
Pregnancy
May be used for severe high blood pressure in pregnancy under close medical supervision.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Other blood-pressure medicines can increase dizziness or low blood pressure.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may increase blood-pressure-lowering effects.
- Avoid combining with medicines that raise heart rate unless monitored.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.