Hydralazine

Blood pressure

Also known as Apresoline

Hydralazine relaxes the muscle in your artery walls so blood flows with less resistance. It's often added when other blood pressure medicines aren't quite enough, and it's used for heart failure in some people. Early on, your body may push back with a faster heartbeat and headaches — that usually settles as you adjust.

How to take it

When

Usually a few times a day. Space doses evenly and stick to your schedule.

Food

Food changes how much you absorb, so be consistent — always with food, or always without.

Avoid

Don't stop suddenly without your doctor — your blood pressure can climb back fast.

Good to know

Long-term use can rarely trigger a lupus-like reaction — joint pain, fever, rash. Call your doctor if those show up.

Missed a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to your next dose — then skip the missed one. Never double up.

Common side effects

Headache, especially at first
Fast or pounding heartbeat
Flushing
Nausea
Dizziness

Call a doctor if

Chest pain or a racing heartbeat that doesn't settle — get help now
Fainting or severe lightheadedness — get help now
Joint pain, fever, or a rash that won't go away — possible lupus-like reaction, call your doctor right away
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet — call your doctor

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.