Hydralazine is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine may also be used to treat heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood).
Take Hydralazine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Hydralazine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- severe tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones in the blood)
- aortic or mitral stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- right-sided heart failure due to high blood pressure in the lungs
- dissecting aortic aneurysm (a condition where the blood rushes through the tear in the inner layer of the body's main artery)
- coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart)
- mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease (a heart disease caused by rheumatic fever which is an inflammatory disease that affects the brain, heart, joints, or skin)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
as Hydralazine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cerebrovascular disease (disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain)
- suspected coronary artery disease
- other heart diseases
- other autoimmune diseases (a condition wherein your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissues)
- blood disorder
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individuals who are slow acetylators may experience enhanced effects of this medicine (e.g. low blood pressure). If you know you are a slow acetylator, inform your doctor.
If you are going to have an operation, inform your doctor that you are taking Hydralazine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood tests, urine tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Hydralazine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and flushing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- joint pain accompanied by fever and rash
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- feeling tired and worn out
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine, clomipramine, isocarboxazid
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) e.g. hydrocortisone, prednisolone
- birth control pills e.g. estrogen
- diazoxide (medicine for low blood sugar)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Hydralazine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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