Why is this medication prescribed?

Hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Hydralazine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydralazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Hydralazine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take hydralazine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking hydralazine without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Hydralazine is also used after heart valve replacement and in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Storing your medication

• Your health care provider probably will give you a several-day supply of hydration at a time. You will be told to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Take your next dose from the refrigerator 4-6 hours before using it; place it in a clean, dry area to allow it to warm to room temperature.
• If you are told to store additional hydration in the freezer, always move a 24-hour supply to the refrigerator for the next day's use.
• Do not refreeze medications.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection

If you are receiving hydration solution in your vein or under your skin, you need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:

• tenderness
• warmth
• irritation
• drainage
• redness
• swelling
• pain