Hydralazine
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Hydralazine Hydrochloride
- Brand Names
- Hydralazine Hydrochloride
- Route
- ORAL
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
DESCRIPTION HydrALAZINE hydrochloride, USP, is an antihypertensive, 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. Each tablet for oral administration contains 25 mg hydrALAZINE hydrochloride, USP. Tablets also contain magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, orange lake blend, silicon dioxide, and sodium starch glycolate. The orange lake blend consists of FD&C yellow #6. chemical-structure
What Is Hydralazine Used For?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Essential hypertension, alone or as an adjunct.
Dosage and Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initiate therapy in gradually increasing dosages; adjust according to individual response. Start with 10 mg four times daily for the first 2 to 4 days, increase to 25 mg four times daily for the balance of the first week. For the second and subsequent weeks, increase dosage to 50 mg four times daily. For maintenance, adjust dosage to the lowest effective levels. The incidence of toxic reactions, particularly the L.E. cell syndrome, is high in the group of patients receiving large doses of hydrALAZINE hydrochloride tablets. In a few resistant patients, up to 300 mg of hydrALAZINE hydrochloride tablets daily may be required for a significant antihypertensive effect. In such cases, a lower dosage of hydrALAZINE hydrochloride tablets combined with a thiazide and/or reserpine or a beta blocker may be considered. However, when combining therapy, individual titration is essential to ensure the lowest possible therapeutic dose of each drug.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions with hydrALAZINE are usually reversible when dosage is reduced. However, in some cases it may be necessary to discontinue the drug. The following adverse reactions have been observed, but there has not been enough systematic collection of data to support an estimate of their frequency. Common Headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, tachycardia, angina pectoris. Less Frequent: Digestive: constipation, paralytic ileus. Cardiovascular: hypotension, paradoxical pressor response, edema. Respiratory: dyspnea. Neurologic: peripheral neuritis, evidenced by paresthesia, numbness, and tingling; dizziness; tremors; muscle cramps; psychotic reactions characterized by depression, disorientation, or anxiety. Genitourinary: difficulty in urination. Hematologic: blood dyscrasias, consisting of reduction in hemoglobin and red cell count, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, purpura; lymphadenopathy; splenomegaly. Hypersensitive Reactions: rash, urticaria, pruritus, fever, chills, arthralgia, eosinophilia, and rarely, hepatitis. Other: nasal congestion, flushing, lacrimation, conjunctivitis.
Warnings and Precautions
WARNINGS In a few patients hydrALAZINE may produce a clinical picture simulating systemic lupus erythematosus including glomerulonephritis. In such patients hydrALAZINE should be discontinued unless the benefit-to-risk determination requires continued antihypertensive therapy with this drug. Symptoms and signs usually regress when the drug is discontinued but residua have been detected many years later. Long-term treatment with steroids may be necessary. (See PRECAUTIONS, Laboratory Tests .)
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to hydrALAZINE; coronary artery disease; mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Acute Toxicity: No deaths due to acute poisoning have been reported. Highest known dose survived: adults, 10 g orally. Oral LD 50 in rats: 173 and 187 mg/kg. Signs and Symptoms Signs and symptoms of overdosage include hypotension, tachycardia, headache, and generalized skin flushing. Complications can include myocardial ischemia and subsequent myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia, and profound shock. Treatment There is no specific antidote. The gastric contents should be evacuated, taking adequate precautions against aspiration and for protection of the airway. An activated charcoal slurry may be instilled if conditions permit. These manipulations may have to be omitted or carried out after cardiovascular status has been stabilized, since they might precipitate cardiac arrhythmias or increase the depth of shock. Support of the cardiovascular system is of primary importance. Shock should be treated with plasma expanders. If possible, vasopressors should not be given, but if a vasopressor is required, care should be taken not to precipitate or aggravate cardiac arrhythmia. Tachycardia responds to beta blockers. Digitalization may be necessary, and renal function should be monitored and supported as required. No experience has been reported with extracorporeal or peritoneal dialysis.
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED HydrALAZINE Hydrochloride Tablets, USP are available as: 25 mg – Round, peach, core tablet, debossed EP over 102 on one side and plain on the reverse side. NDC 82804-081-30 Bottles of 30 NDC 82804-081-60 Bottles of 60 NDC 82804-081-90 Bottles of 90 NDC 82804-081-72 Bottles of 120 Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Distributed by: Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. East Brunswick, NJ 08816 1-866-901-DRUG (3784) 51U000000426US01 Repackaged by: Proficient Rx LP Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 Revised: 11/2022 avet-logo
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.