Hydralazine hydrochloride
Trade names: Apresoline
Class:
Antihypertensive, direct
action on vascular Smooth
muscles.
Pregnancy: (Category C)
Action:-
Directly affect smooth muscles vasodilatation,
Cardiac output and finally blood flow to the brain and kidneys. Uses:-
§ Used with combination therapy to treat hypertension.
§ Given parenterally in hypertension emergencies.
Contraindications:-
§ Angina pectoris.
§ Rheumatic heart disease.
§ Chronic glomerulonephritis.
§ Systemic lupus erythrmatosus (S.L.E.)
Side effects:-
§ Orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting. § Headache, dizziness, constipation and male impotence.
Dosage:-
§ Tabs. : initially 10 mg qid for
2-4 days, then 25 mg bid
§ I.V, I.M:-50 mg (IV slowly)
repeated as necessary. (May decrease Bp in 5 minutes.) Dose
:
§ By mouth, hypertension, 25 mg
twice daily, increased to usual max. 50 mg twice daily
§ Heart failure (initiated in
hospital) 25 mg 3–4 times daily, increased every 2 days if necessary; usual
maintenance dose 50–75 mg 4 times daily
§ By slow intravenous injection,
hypertension with renal complications and hypertensive crisis, 5–10 mg
diluted with 10 mL sodium chloride 0.9%; may be repeated after 20–30 minutes
§ By intravenous infusion,
hypertension with renal complications and hypertensive crisis, initially
200–300 micrograms/minute; maintenance usually
50–150 micrograms/minute
Nursing considerations:-
§ Avoid activities that need mental awareness such as driving.
§ Advise pt. to rise from the bed slowly.
§ Instruct pt. about reportable Signs & Symptoms
§ Advise client to carry a card detailing current medication
Regimens always.
