Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg

About Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg

Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg Uses

• Treatment of moderate to severe hypertension
• Hypertension during pregnancy, including preeclampsia
• Hypertensive urgency and emergency under medical supervision
• Add on therapy for chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, usually combined with isosorbide dinitrate

Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg Benefits

• Works directly on blood vessel walls for fast blood pressure lowering
• Considered one of the safer options for high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Can be combined with other antihypertensives for resistant hypertension
• Affordable and widely available across Pakistan

What Experts Say

Hydralazine acts as a direct arteriolar vasodilator, relaxing smooth muscle in resistance vessels through a mechanism that appears to involve nitric oxide pathways and reduced intracellular calcium availability. This selective arterial effect lowers peripheral resistance and blood pressure while largely sparing the venous system.

Reflex tachycardia and fluid retention commonly accompany hydralazine use because baroreceptor reflexes respond to the drop in arterial pressure. Prescribers typically pair it with a beta blocker and a diuretic to blunt these compensatory responses, particularly in patients being treated for chronic heart failure alongside nitrates.

Long term use above recommended doses carries a dose dependent risk of drug induced lupus, so periodic monitoring and the lowest effective dose are advised. In pregnancy, hydralazine remains a preferred option for acute severe hypertension because of its long safety record and rapid onset of action.

Drug Class

• Antihypertensive
• Direct Acting Arteriolar Vasodilator

Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg formula

• Hydralazine Hydrochloride

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg?

• Take this tablet by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take doses at the same times each day as advised by your doctor.
• Do not stop this medicine suddenly without medical advice.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly while on this medicine.

Drug Interactions

• Beta Blockers: Often combined intentionally to reduce hydralazine's reflex fast heartbeat.
• MAO Inhibitors: Combined use can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure.
• NSAIDs: Regular use can reduce hydralazine's blood pressure lowering effect.
• Other Antihypertensives: Combined use raises the risk of low blood pressure and fainting.
• Diazoxide: Combined use can cause severe and prolonged low blood pressure.

Risks and warnings

• Heart Disease: Use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease due to risk of chest pain.
• Lupus Risk: Long term high dose use can trigger a drug induced lupus like syndrome.
• Kidney Disease: Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with reduced kidney function.
• Pregnancy: Generally considered a preferred option for short term use in severe hypertension during pregnancy under supervision.
• Breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed and under medical guidance.
• Stroke History: Use caution in patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease.

Hydralazine HCl Tablet 25mg Side Effects

• Headache
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Fluid retention and swelling in the legs
• Flushing of the face
• Nasal congestion
• Joint pain resembling lupus symptoms with long term use
• Chest pain in patients with underlying heart disease
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling or breathing trouble

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius in a cool dry place.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack away from moisture.
• Protect from direct sunlight and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Discard any tablets past their printed expiry date.