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GENERIC NAME: HYDRALAZINE - INJECTION (hi-DRAL-uh-zeen)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication relaxes and dilates (expands) blood vessels resulting in lowered blood pressure. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Though unlikely to occur, inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, muscle aches, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, swollen glands, joint pain, change in the amount of urine. This drug may cause numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes. If this occurs, notify your doctor. A vitamin B6 supplement (pyridoxine) may be recommended. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart conditions, blood vessel problems, kidney disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known if hydralazine passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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hydralazine-injection

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

Read the High Blood Pressure article »










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