Hydralazine

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Also indexed as:

Apresoline

Combination List

Combination drug:

• Apresazide

Hydralazine is a drug used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Hydralazine relaxes the muscles that control the diameter of blood vessels. This relaxation allows the blood vessels to dilate (open wider), lowering blood pressure.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Hydralazine

Depletion or interference	Vitamin B6
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 can bind to hydralazine to form a complex that is excreted in the urine, increasing vitamin B6 loss.¹ This may lead to vitamin B6 deficiency.² People taking hydralazine should consult with their doctor to discuss the possibility of vitamin B6 supplementation.

Other Interactions

Food

Taking hydralazine with food improves the absorption of the drug.³ People with questions should ask their prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol

Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure. This action may add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of hydralazine and increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or accidental falls. People taking hydralazine should avoid alcohol and should read all product labels carefully for alcohol content.

References

1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 131-2.
2. Raskin NH, Rishman RA. Pyridoxine-deficiency neuropathy due to hydralazine. N Engl J Med 1965;273:1182-5.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihypertensives, Vasodilators, Hydralazine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 163r-4b.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.

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