APRESOLINE

Drug Name: APRESOLINE

APRESOLINE DESCRIPTION:
HYDRALAZINE - ORAL (hi-DRAL-uh-zeen)

COMMON APRESOLINE BRAND NAME(S):
Apresoline

APRESOLINE SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Though unlikely to occur, inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, muscle pain, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes/skin, joint pain, a change in the amount of urine. APRESOLINE may cause numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes. If this occurs, notify your doctor. A vitamin B6 supplement (pyridoxine) may be recommended. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE APRESOLINE:
APRESOLINE: Take APRESOLINE exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. Do not stop taking APRESOLINE without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking APRESOLINE even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

APRESOLINE USES:
APRESOLINE relaxes and expands blood vessels and is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

APRESOLINE PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take hydralazine, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart or blood vessel problems, kidney disease, any drug allergies. APRESOLINE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Hydralazine is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

APRESOLINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol); diazoxide. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

APRESOLINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid heart rate and headache.

APRESOLINE NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking APRESOLINE. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

MISSED APRESOLINE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

APRESOLINE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.