Hydralazine (Injection)

Hydralazine (Injection) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and arteries. If it lasts for a long time, the heart and arteries may not work properly. This can harm the blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys, leading to a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Hydralazine works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

It is important for your doctor to monitor you closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is working correctly. Blood tests may be required to check for side effects.

Hydralazine may cause some people to experience headaches or feel dizzy. Make sure you understand how this medicine affects you before driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

Do not take other medicines unless you have talked about them with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, as they may raise your blood pressure.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There have been no appropriate studies on the effects of hydralazine injection in children. However, no specific problems related to children have been reported so far.

Geriatric

There is no information available about the effects of hydralazine injection in older patients.

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines might be used together even if there is a chance of an interaction. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with certain foods due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. The following interactions are highlighted for their potential significance and are not all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following may increase the risk of certain side effects, although it may be necessary in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of this medicine or give you specific instructions regarding food, alcohol, or tobacco use.

• Enteral Nutrition

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect how this medicine works. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medical problems, especially:

• Angina (severe chest pain) or
• Blood disease or
• History of heart attack or
• Heart rhythm problems or
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
• Peripheral neuritis (nerve problem) or
• History of stroke or
• Systemic lupus erythematosus—Use with caution. This may worsen these conditions.

• Coronary artery disease or
• Mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger because the body may remove the medicine more slowly.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Less common

• Black, tarry stools
• Blindness or vision changes
• Blurred vision
• Burning of the face or mouth
• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, painful, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• Chills
• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Confusion
• Cough
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Fever and sore throat
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Pale skin
• Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• Swelling
• Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• Ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Weakness in the hands or feet

Rare

• Dark urine
• General tiredness and weakness
• Light-colored stools
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• Yellow eyes and skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

• Feeling of warmth
• Headache
• Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Less common

• Difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• Difficulty with moving
• Dizziness
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Muscle cramps, pain, or stiffness
• Pain in the joints
• Rash, hives or welts, itching

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Apresoline
• Novaplus HydrALAZINE Hydrochloride

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Peripheral Vasodilator

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.