Dihydralazine
About Dihydralazine
Dihydralazine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart-related chest pain (angina), heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) and preventing symptoms of migraine headache and tremors (fits). It affects our heart and blood circulatory system, especially controlling blood pressure through arteries and veins. High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Dihydralazine belongs to a class of drugs called ‘peripheral vasodilators’. These drugs act on the blood vessels directly and relax them, resulting in lowered blood pressure levels. Thus, they help reduce the risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, other heart problems, or kidney problems in the future. This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective.
Dihydralazine can be taken orally with or without food or as directed by your physician. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Dihydralazine is preferable to take at the same time every day for better results. Dihydralazine is generally safe to consume. You may have a common side like an abnormal heartbeat, headaches, low blood pressure, diarrhoea, and feeling sick and being sick. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Don't stop taking $ name without talking to your doctor first. Stopping Dihydralazine gradually may cause changes in your heart rhythm and blood pressure, cause chest pain, or a heart attack. Your doctor will lower your dose gradually over a period of time to help prevent these symptoms. You should not use Dihydralazine if you have a very slow heartbeat, asthma, serious heart condition (sick sinus syndrome), or any heart blockage. It should not be given to children less than 12 years of age. Before taking Dihydralazine, you should tell the doctor if you have any muscle disorder (myasthenia gravis, rhabdomyolysis), breathing problems (COPD, bronchitis, emphysema), low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia), low blood pressure (hypotension), depression, previous heart failure, liver/kidney disease, thyroid hormone disorder, adrenal gland cancer, or problems with circulation (Raynaud’s syndrome).
Uses of Dihydralazine
Medicinal Benefits
Dihydralazine plays a vital role in relaxing the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels. This ensures that your blood vessels expand, reducing your blood pressure and allowing blood and oxygen to flow more easily throughout your body. It helps in reducing your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, other heart problems, or kidney problems in the future. This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dihydralazine
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fast heart rate
Drug Warnings
Don't stop taking $ name without talking to your doctor first. Stopping Dihydralazine gradually may cause changes in your heart rhythm and blood pressure, cause chest pain, or a heart attack. Your doctor will lower your dose gradually over a period of time to help prevent these symptoms. You should not use Dihydralazine if you have a very slow heartbeat, asthma, serious heart condition (sick sinus syndrome), or any heart blockage. Children weighing less than 4.5 pounds should not be given Dihydralazine. It should not be given to the children less than 12 years of age. Before taking Dihydralazine you should tell the doctor if you have any muscle disorder (myasthenia gravis, rhabdomyolysis), breathing problems (COPD, bronchitis, emphysema), low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia), low blood pressure (hypotension), depression, previous heart failure, liver/kidney disease, thyroid hormone disorder, adrenal gland cancer, or problems with circulation (Raynaud’s syndrome).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Dihydralazine may interact with antidiabetic (diazoxide), an antidepressant (isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), antibiotic (phenelzine, linezolid), dye (methylene blue injection), antiparkinsonian (rasagiline, selegiline).
Drug-Food Interaction: Dihydralazine severely interact with grapefruit and protein-enriched foods. Using Dihydralazine together with ayurvedic, homoeopathy, Unani, herbal supplements, or any other OTC items may decrease the effects of Dihydralazine. Hence, it is better to maintain at least 2 2-hour gap between the administration of Dihydralazine and these products.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Dihydralazine should not be given to people with bone marrow suppression (a decrease in bone marrow activity resulting in reduced production of blood cells), valve heart disease (a defect in one of the four heart valves), coronary artery disease, cerebral vasculopathy (inflammation of the blood vessel wall), lupus disease (an autoimmune disease), and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Dihydralazine to avoid unpleasant side-effect of low blood pressure causing dizziness or drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionDihydralazine is a category C pregnancy drug. Dihydralazine is not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionTake Dihydralazine only when prescribed. It is known to pass on in a limited quantity via breast milk to the child. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Driving
unsafeDihydralazine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery. However, some people may occasionally feel dizzy or tired when taking Propranolol. If this happens to you, ask your doctor for advice.
Liver
cautionDihydralazine should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may have to adjust the dose.
Kidney
cautionDihydralazine should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may have to adjust the dose.
Children
unsafeThe safety and efficacy of Dihydralazine in children have not been established. Dihydralazine is not recommended in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week, can help lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
- Option for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
- Limiting sodium chloride (table salt) intake to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
- If you are taking alcohol, then only one serving for women and two servings for men is advisable.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil, which can help in lowering your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High blood pressure: Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Hypertension is a chronic condition when blood pressure and the workload of the heart is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg and, diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Dihydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
Monitor Blood Pressure and pulse frequently during initial dose adjustment and periodically during therapy.
Overdose symptoms may cause hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (increased heart rate), dysrhythmias (irregular heart rate) and coma. Contact the doctor immediately.
Dihydralazine is a vasodilator or antihypertensive used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.
Dihydralazine should not be used if you are allergic to it or if you have coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.
The typical dosage of Dihydralazine varies depending on your condition, age, and other factors. It's crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions. They will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency based on your needs.
The safety and efficacy of Dihydralazine in children have not been established, so it is not recommended for them.
Dihydralazine is in a class of medications called vasodilators. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
If you suddenly quit taking it. This can result in uncontrolled high blood pressure. This can increase your risk of developing heart problems, such as chest pain or a heart attack. If you need to discontinue taking this drug, consult your doctor. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose over two weeks.
The BP-lowering effect can occur in 20–30 minutes following oral administration.
You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
If you or someone else has taken too much hydralazine, get medical help right away. Overdose symptoms may include warmth, headache, and redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest.
Before taking Dihydralazine, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin. Taking aspirin while on hydralazine may increase the risk of dizziness, headaches, or blurry vision. Ask your doctor for advice.
Dihydralazine may not be safe for everyone. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications.
Dihydralazine can sometimes affect your sex life. Some people may experience reduced sex drive or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. If you're having sexual problems while taking hydralazine, talk to your doctor.
Yes, Dihydralazine can normally be consumed with food. This may help to alleviate stomach distress, a typical adverse effect. However, it is critical to follow your doctor's precise instructions, as they may advise taking it on an empty stomach or with a specific type of meal.
While rare, serious side effects of Dihydralazine can occur. These include rapid heartbeat or chest pain, severe allergic reactions, joint or muscle pain, fluid retention or swelling, severe weakness, fever and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Dihydralazine may interact with other medications, including other blood pressure medications, diuretics, antidepressants, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Always inform your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements.
Dihydralazine is an acceptable antihypertensive medication in nursing mothers, even those nursing newborns. But it should be taken only if prescribed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Common side effects of Dihydralazine may include abnormal heartbeat, headaches, low blood pressure, diarrhoea, and feeling sick and being sick. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep Dihydralazine out of the sight and reach of children.
Dihydralazine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, affecting your driving ability. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving until they subside.
Dihydralazine may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while taking this medication.
