Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Hydralazine HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide oral

Hydralazine HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide oral Drug Category HYDRALAZINE WITH HCTZ - ORAL

Hydralazine HCl and Hydrochlorothiazide oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. HYDRALAZINE WITH HCTZ - ORAL (hi-DRAL-uh-zeen WITH HCTZ) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Apresazide USES: Hydralazine helps to widen arteries and veins so blood flows better. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a "water pill" (diuretic) that rids the body of excess fluid. This combination medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Because this medication may increase urination especially during the first few days, try to avoid taking a dose just before bedtime. This may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. 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. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue or increased urination may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Constipation, hoarseness, decreased sexual function, nasal congestion, tremors, depression and increased sensitivity to the sun may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages and avoid overheating which will aggravate these effects. Though unlikely to occur, notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, skin rash, tingling of the hands or feet, muscle aches, fever, unusual tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling of the feet or ankles (edema), jaundice, joint pain, change in the amount of urine. This medication may cause blood disorders. Periodic laboratory tests will be done while taking this medication to monitor for these effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Mention to your doctor if you have or had any of the following: diabetes, gout, heart or blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis, lupus. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. You may also be allergic to this medication. This medication may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid the sun and wear sunscreen along with protective clothing. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this medication. DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with: dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all the drugs you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you use: cholestyramine, colestipol, diazoxide, digoxin, lithium, propranolol, metoprolol, oxprenolol, decongestants, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; stomach pain; fever; severe dizziness or weakness; and loss of consciousness. NOTES: It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to take your blood pressure and understand the readings. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.