Brand Name: Apresazide
Generic Name: Hydralazine, HCTZ
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What is the most important information I should know about hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide?
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Do not stop taking hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high and make you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
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Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide may make you feel dizzy.
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness while you are taking this medication.
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What is hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide?
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Hydralazine is a vasodilator. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing (widening) blood vessels (veins and arteries) and making it easier for your heart to pump.
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Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It helps to lower your blood pressure and decrease edema (swelling or water retention) by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
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The combination, hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide, is used to lower high blood pressure.
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Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide?
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Do not take hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.
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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
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have kidney or liver disease,
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have coronary heart disease,
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have mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease,
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have systemic lupus erythematosus,
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have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke),
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have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood, or
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have pulmonary hypertension (a type of lung disease).
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You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
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Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
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Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience dizziness from hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.
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How should I take hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide?
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Take hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
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Take each dose with a full glass of water.
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Take hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide with food.
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Do not stop taking hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high and could make you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
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Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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