Hydralazine

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Generic Name of Hydralazine - Learn More

Hydralazine

Hydralazine Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before using Hydralazine, patients should consult their healthcare provider to ensure that it is appropriate for their specific condition. This medication is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Precautions should be taken in individuals with a history of cardiovascular issues such as coronary artery disease, aortic stenosis, or mitral valve disease, as Hydralazine can cause changes in blood pressure and heart function. Additionally, caution is advised in patients with renal or liver impairment, as Hydralazine is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Hydralazine can sometimes cause a "lupus-like" syndrome, particularly with prolonged use, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, or fever. If such symptoms occur, patients should inform their healthcare provider. It is also important to monitor for orthostatic hypotension (dizziness or fainting upon standing), especially during the initial stages of treatment.

Hydralazine Indication - Uses and Benefits

Hydralazine is primarily indicated for:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Hydralazine is particularly useful in treating severe or resistant hypertension.
- Heart Failure: Hydralazine is sometimes used in the treatment of heart failure, especially in combination with nitrates. It helps by dilating blood vessels, thereby reducing the workload on the heart.
- Hypertensive Crisis: In emergency situations, Hydralazine may be used intravenously to quickly lower blood pressure in patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

Hydralazine Contraindications - Important Warnings

Hydralazine should not be used in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to Hydralazine: Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to Hydralazine should avoid using this drug.
- Coronary Artery Disease: Hydralazine can cause reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate) and exacerbate symptoms of coronary artery disease, including angina, so it should be avoided in patients with this condition.
- Lupus Erythematosus: Hydralazine is contraindicated in individuals with active or a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, as it may exacerbate or induce a lupus-like syndrome.
- Severe Tachycardia: Hydralazine should not be used in patients with severe tachycardia (excessively fast heart rate), as it may worsen the condition.
- Renal Impairment: Patients with severe renal disease should avoid Hydralazine or use it with caution and under close medical supervision.

Hydralazine Side Effects - What to Expect

Hydralazine may cause a range of side effects, both common and severe:
- Common Side Effects: These include headache, dizziness, nausea, and flushing, which may be particularly noticeable when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Patients may also experience palpitations (fast heart rate) due to the body's compensatory response to the lowered blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate) and edema (swelling) can occur, particularly when the drug is used at higher doses.
- Lupus-like Syndrome: Prolonged use of Hydralazine may cause symptoms resembling systemic lupus erythematosus, including joint pain, rashes, fever, and fatigue. If this occurs, patients should immediately consult their healthcare provider.
- Gastrointestinal Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible side effects, though they are less common.
- Severe Reactions: Rarely, Hydralazine may lead to severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and anaphylaxis. Immediate medical attention is required in such cases.

Hydralazine Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

3

Hydralazine Mode of Action - How It Works

Hydralazine works by dilating (widening) blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and ease the heart's workload. Specifically, it acts on the smooth muscle cells in the arteries, causing them to relax and expand. This relaxation of the arterial smooth muscle leads to a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance (the resistance the heart has to overcome to pump blood), ultimately lowering blood pressure. By reducing the pressure in the arteries, Hydralazine improves blood flow to organs such as the heart and kidneys, making it particularly useful in conditions like hypertension and heart failure.

Hydralazine Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Hydralazine can interact with several other medications, which may affect its effectiveness or lead to unwanted side effects:
- Other Antihypertensive Drugs: Combining Hydralazine with other antihypertensive agents (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors) may result in excessive lowering of blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce the antihypertensive effects of Hydralazine. Long-term use of NSAIDs may also worsen renal function, especially in patients already taking Hydralazine.
- Alcohol: Alcohol may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of Hydralazine and increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or a drop in blood pressure.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): The use of Hydralazine with MAOIs can lead to an increased risk of hypertension.
- Sympathomimetics: Medications that mimic the action of adrenaline, such as certain decongestants, may reduce the effectiveness of Hydralazine in controlling blood pressure.

Hydralazine Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The dosage of Hydralazine for adults varies based on the condition being treated:
- Hypertension: The usual starting dose is 10 to 25 mg orally, 2 to 4 times daily. The dose may be increased gradually depending on the patient's response, up to a maximum of 200 mg per day in divided doses.
- Heart Failure: When used as part of a combination therapy (e.g., with nitrates), the typical dose is 25 to 50 mg orally, 3 to 4 times daily.
- Hypertensive Crisis: In emergency situations, Hydralazine may be administered intravenously, starting with 5 to 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with careful monitoring of blood pressure and adjustments as needed.

Hydralazine Child Dose - Dosage for Children

Hydralazine is used in pediatric patients, primarily for the treatment of hypertension or heart failure. The exact dosage will depend on the child's weight, age, and the severity of the condition:
- Hypertension: The usual dose for children is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg per dose, given 3 to 4 times daily. The dose may be increased gradually depending on the child's response, up to a maximum of 5 mg/kg per day.
- Heart Failure: The dose for children with heart failure is generally similar to that for hypertension, but should be carefully tailored based on the child’s clinical condition and response to treatment.

As always, patients (or their caregivers) should consult their healthcare provider before starting Hydralazine to ensure its appropriateness for their condition and to understand potential side effects or interactions. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and other parameters is essential during treatment.

Hydralazine Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

Hydralazine should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. Although no specific renal dose adjustments are required, it is important to monitor renal function closely during treatment. In severe renal failure, the use of Hydralazine may be limited due to its potential to cause fluid retention or exacerbate kidney issues. Patients with kidney disease should be under close supervision while on Hydralazine therapy.