Hydralazine may produce, in a few patients, a clinical picture simulating systematic lupus erythematosus. In such cases discontinue treatment immediately. Symptoms and signs usually regress when the drug is discontinued, but residual signs have been detected many years later. Long term treatment with adrenocorticosteroids may be necessary. Complete blood counts, L.E. cell preparations, and antinuclear antibody titer determinations are indicated before and periodically during prolonged therapy with hydralazine even though the patient is asymptomatic. These tests are also indicated if the patient develops arthralgia, fever, chest pain, continued malaise or other unexplained signs or symptoms. If the test results are abnormal, discontinue treatment.
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