Apresoline (Hydralazine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Apresoline

High Blood Pressure »

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

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Apresoline

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Apresoline® Hydrochloride
(hydralazine hydrochloride) Tablets, USP

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Apresoline, hydralazine hydrochloride USP, is an antihypertensive, available as 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mg tablets for oral administration. Its chemical name is 1-hydrazinophthalazine monohydrochloride, and its structural formula is:

Hydralazine hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white, odorless crystalline powder. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and very slightly soluble in ether. It melts at about 275°C, with decomposition, and has a molecular weight of 196.84.

Inactive Ingredients. Acacia, D&C Yellow No. 10 (10-mg tablets), FD&C Blue No. 1 (25-mg and 50-mg tablets), FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (100-mg tablets), lactose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, starch, and stearic acid.

What are the possible side effects of hydralazine (Apresoline)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

fast or pounding heartbeats;
swelling in your face, stomach, hands, or feet;
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
feeling like you might pass out;
confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
pale skin, easy bruising;
painful...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Apresoline »

What are the precautions when taking hydralazine (Apresoline)?

Before taking hydralazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease), a certain heart valve problem (rheumatic heart disease of the mitral valve).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel problems, previous stroke, kidney problems.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity...

Read All Potential Precautions of Apresoline »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.