Common use
Apresoline is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries. Apresoline is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Dosage and direction
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take Apresoline in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent blood tests. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Precautions
To make sure Apresoline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; systemic lupus erythematosus; angina (chest pain); or a stroke.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Hydralazine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby are not known. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Contraindications
You should not use Apresoline if you are allergic to it, or if you have: coronary artery disease; or rheumatic heart disease affecting the mitral valve.
Apresoline is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Possible side effect
Common side effects of Apresoline may include: chest pain, fast heart rate; headache; or nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
Drug interaction
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: diazoxide (an injectable blood pressure medication); or an MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, warmth or tingling under your skin, chest pain, or fainting.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.
