What is Apresoline/Hydralazine used for?

This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be taken by the patient in whom it was prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Apresoline/Hydralazine be stored?

Store below 86 degrees F. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container.

General drug information:

When should Apresoline/Hydralazine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have certain kinds of heart disease

What precautions should I follow when taking Apresoline/Hydralazine?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor if you have a history of stroke if you have kidney damage if you have heart disease if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Apresoline/Hydralazine?

This medicine may cause a substantial lowering of the blood pressure which may adversely affect the patient's reactions in driving or operating machinery.

What are the side effects of Apresoline/Hydralazine?

Most severe:  Yellowing of skin or eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; chest pain.

Most common:  Headache; appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; fast heartbeat; pounding in chest.

Other:  Constipation; fluid retention; difficulty breathing; numbness; tingling; abnormal skin sensations of hands and feet; dizziness; tremors; muscle cramps; depression; disorientation; anxiety; urination difficulty; rash; itching; fever; chills; joint pain; nasal congestion; flushing; tearing; inflammation of the eye; hives; enlarged lymph nodes.

How should I take Apresoline/Hydralazine?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Dizziness or lightheadedness can occur if you stand up too fast from a seated or lying position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Contact your doctor if you develop any of the following: Joint pain; fever; chest pain; abnormal sensations of hands and feet; numbness or tingling; continued general body discomfort; any other unexplained symptom. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning treatment. Continue taking your medicine even though you may not feel quite "normal." Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms. Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), which may cause allergic reactions in certain patients. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.