Hydralazine Side Effects
Summary
The most common side effects of Hydralazine (Apresoline) are diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, and nausea. Common side effects usually do not require medical attention however, if they persist or become bothersome you should contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Common Hydralazine Side Effects
The most common Hydralazine side effects include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
Additional less serious side effects include the following:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Skin rash or mild itching
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Constipation
The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Serious Hydralazine Side Effects
An allergic reaction can occur while taking hydralazine. If you experience any of the following symptoms indicating an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help right away.
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
Many other side effects can occur that are not indicative of an allergic reaction but that are still very serious. If you experience any of the following severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Feelings like you might pass out
- Confusing or unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Swelling of stomach, hands, feet, or face
- Numbness, tingly feeling, burning, or pain
- Pain or difficulty urinating
- Pale skin or easy bruising
- Dark urine
- Joint pain or swelling with fever, weakness or tired feeling, and chest pain
- Urinating less frequently or not at all
Existing Medical Conditions
You should not use hydralazine if you have any of the following conditions; an allergy to hydralazine, coronary artery disease, rheumatic fever affecting the mitral valve, or if you are breastfeeding. Certain medical conditions may require special tests or dosage adjustments to ensure that you can safely take hydralazine. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions; kidney disease, angina pectoris, lupus, or a history of strokes.
If you are pregnant or may become pregnant you should talk to your doctor before taking hydralazine; this drug has been placed in category C by the FDA, which means that it may be harmful to an unborn child. You should not take this medication if you are breastfeeding as it passes through breast milk and could harm a newborn. Frequent blood pressure checks will be required while you are taking this medication to ensure that it is working and not causing any adverse effects.
Other Medications
It is important to inform your doctor of all over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications that you are taking prior to starting a new one. If you are taking any of the following medications notify your doctor as they could cause a dangerous interaction to occur if taken with hydralazine.
- Diazoxide
- MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, or rasagiline
Hydralazine is a vasodilator medication used to treat hypertension. Certain medical conditions may require special tests or dosage adjustments to ensure that you can safely take this medication. Take this medication exactly as prescribed and do not stop taking it without talking to a doctor first. Use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position as this drug can cause dizziness. Notify your doctor if you have a severe side effect or if a common one becomes bothersome.
