RESURRECTION UNIVERSITY MEDICATION CARD

CLASSIFICATION

Vasodilator, antihypertensive

DRUG NAME

Hydralazine (Apresoline)

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Direct vasodilating effects on arterioles in moderate or severe hypertension.

THERAPEUTIC USE

Decreases B/P, decrease systemic vascular resistance.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity to Hydralazine.
Coronary artery disease.
Mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease.

DOSAGES AND ROUTES

Available forms: Injection 20 mg/mL

Eclampsia: Adult: IM/IV 5-10 mg q15-20min

ADVERSE EFFECTS

CNS: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, peripheral neuritis

CV: Palpitations, tachycardia, angina, orthostatic hypotension
GI: Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea
INTEG: Rash, pruritus
MISC: Lupus-like symptoms

INTERACTIONS

Increase hypotension with ingestion of alcohol, other antihypertensives, or nitrates.

MAO inhibitors may exaggerate hypotension.
May decrease pressor response to epinephrine.
NSAIDs may decrease antihypertensive response
Metoprolol and propranolol increase level serum of hydralazine and in reverse.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
ASSESSMENT

Obtain B/P, pulse immediately before each dose, in addition to regular monitoring (be alert
to fluctuations).
RESURRECTION UNIVERSITY MEDICATION CARD

PATIENT PROBLEM

Hypertension secondary to eclampsia, preeclampsia.

IMPLEMENTATION

Monitor B/P, pulse. Monitor for headache, palpitations, tachycardia. Assess for peripheral
edema of hands, feet.

PATIENT/FAMILY EDUCATION

To reduce hypotensive effect, go from lying to standing slowly.

Report muscle/joint aches, fever (lupus-like reaction), flu-like symptoms.
Limit alcohol use

EVALUATION

Decrease in BP without appearance of side effects.