Hydralazine
Also known as: Apresoline, Alphapress, Bionobal, Cesoline, Hidral, Hydrapres, Hyperex, Hyperphen, Ipolina, Nepresol, Novo-Hylazin, Nu-Hydral, Rolazine, Slow-Apresoline, Supres
Hydralazine is a medication used to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on your pet's heart, particularly if they have leaky heart valves. * **Strict Compliance**: It is crucial to give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian to maximize its benefits and avoid dangerous drops in blood pressure. * **What to Watch For**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet becomes unusually lethargic, weak, depressed, or if they faint. These can be signs that their blood pressure has dropped too low (hypotension). * **Side Effects**: You may notice mild vomiting or diarrhea. If these persist, inform your vet. * **Diet**: Ask your veterinarian whether to give this medication with or without food, as food can affect how much drug is absorbed into your pet's system.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive therapy in treatment of heart failure
- Treatment of systemic hypertension (Fourth step drug)
- Systemic hypertension
- Adjunctive therapy in treatment of heart failure (afterload reducer)
- Adjunctive therapy in treatment of heart failure (long-term therapy)
- Adjunctive therapy in treatment of heart failure (not receiving ACE inhibitors)
- Acute, fulminant heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation (not receiving ACE inhibitors)
- Adjunctive therapy in treatment of heart failure (receiving ACE inhibitors)
- Short-term treatment of CHF secondary to valve disease
- Treatment of systemic hypertension (Fifth step drug)
- Congestive heart failure / Systemic hypertension
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypotension
- Weakness and lethargy
- Syncope (fainting)
- Reflex tachycardia
- Sodium and water retention
- GI distress (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Increased creatinine levels
- SLE-like syndrome (documented in humans, theoretical in animals)
- Lacrimation and conjunctivitis
- Peripheral neuritis
- Blood dyscrasias
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
- Severe hypotension
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to hydralazine
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypovolemia
- Preexisting hypotension
- Hypovolaemia
- Hypotension
- Renal impairment
- Cerebral bleeding
- > **Dose Titration**: Doses must be titrated upwards carefully to avoid severe, life-threatening hypotension. * **Renal Disease**: Use with caution. Reduced renal blood flow can activate the RAAS and exacerbate renal injury; pretreatment with an ACE inhibitor and spironolactone is often advised. * **Intracerebral Bleeding**: Use with caution due to potential effects on cerebral blood flow. * **Autoimmune Disease**: Use cautiously in patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases, as an SLE-like syndrome has been documented in humans. * **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C (humans); Papich Class B (veterinary). Safe for use if used cautiously, but crosses the placenta. Excreted in milk but generally considered compatible with nursing.
Drug interactions
- ACE-INHIBITORS: May cause additive hypotensive effect; usually used for therapeutic advantage
- BETA-BLOCKERS: May cause additive hypotensive effect; usually used for therapeutic advantage
- DIAZOXIDE: Potentially could cause profound hypotension
- DIURETICS: May cause additive hypotensive effect; usually used for therapeutic advantage
- FUROSEMIDE: Hydralazine may increase furosemide's renal effects
- MAO INHIBITORS: May cause additive hypotensive effect
- SYMPATHOMIMETICS (e.g., epinephrine): Hydralazine may cause decreased pressor effect and may cause additive tachycardia
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril): Enhanced hypotensive effects
- Anaesthetics: Enhanced hypotensive effects
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Enhanced hypotensive effects
- Calcium-channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil): Enhanced hypotensive effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Hydralazine used for in pets?
Hydralazine is a medication used to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on your pet's heart, particularly if they have leaky heart valves. * **Strict Compliance**: It is crucial to give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian to maximize its benefits and avoid dangerous drops in blood pressure. * **What to Watch For**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet becomes unusually lethargic, weak, depressed, or if they faint. These can be signs that their blood pressure has dropped too low (hypotension). * **Side Effects**: You may notice mild vomiting or diarrhea. If these persist, inform your vet. * **Diet**: Ask your veterinarian whether to give this medication with or without food, as food can affect how much drug is absorbed into your pet's system.
Is Hydralazine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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