Apresoline (Hydralazine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

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High Blood Pressure »

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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

Apresoline Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydralazine (Apresoline)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydralazine, or if you have:

coronary artery disease; or
rheumatic heart disease affecting the mitral valve.

Before taking hydralazine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease,
lupus;
angina pectoris (chest pain); or
if you have ever had stroke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Hydralazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take hydralazine (Apresoline)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need occasional blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using hydralazine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not know when your blood pressure is high. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store hydralazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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