APRESOLINE (HYDRALAZINE)

Apresoline Description

High blood pressure can sneak up on you and it is usually during a regular doctor visit that you find out you are hypertensive. This condition can put you at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease so it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Apresoline or generic Hydralazine is a high-strength prescription drug and is usually only recommended if other medications have not been effective in lowing your BP. Your doctor will also advise you to take a diuretic as Apresoline can cause your body to retain fluid and salt which can raise blood pressure. The generic alternative is manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Restore a Proper Blood Flow to Lower Blood Pressure

When taken as directed, Apresoline works as a peripheral arterial vasodilator. This means it relaxes the muscles that surround the blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart and towards other organs and tissues. It is believed that Apresoline achieves this action by disturbing the calcium movement within your blood vessels that relaxes the smooth muscles. Restoring a proper blood flow helps to decrease the pressure inside your vessels and arteries and your heart does not have to work as hard.

Conditions Treated by Apresoline

Risk factors for making you a likely candidate for hypertension include, being overweight, eating food with a high salt content, not being active enough, smoking, high alcohol consumption, and other medical conditions such as diabetes. By changing your eating habits, exercising, limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake, and no more smoking you can help Apresoline lower your blood pressure while reducing your risk of heart disease.

Before Apresoline is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Apresoline so you can be aware of any risks to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and list any OTC and Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your doctor determine if Apresoline is safe for you.

Apresoline Precautions and Proper Use

Until you know how Apresoline will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that requires you to be alert. Do not stop, start, or change the dosage of any drugs while taking Apresoline without consulting your doctor. Keep all doctor appointments so your blood pressure can be monitored and dosage can be adjusted if needed.

Possible Side Effects of Apresoline

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Swelling of feet or ankles