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Hydralazine

Pronounced

"hi-DRAL-uh-zeen"

Common brand names:

Apresoline

Uses

Hydralazine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydralazine is called a vasodilator. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow through the body more easily.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for heart failure.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Do not stop taking 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.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).