hydralazine

# Hydralazine: What You Should Know Hydralazine is a medicine that helps lower high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily through your body. Doctors prescribe it when other blood pressure medicines haven't worked well enough or to treat severe high blood pressure. This medication is usually taken by mouth as a tablet, though it can also be given as an injection in hospitals for emergencies. When your blood pressure is better controlled, your heart doesn't have to work as hard, which helps prevent serious problems like heart attacks and strokes. Before taking hydralazine, tell your doctor if you have heart problems, kidney disease, or if you're allergic to any medicines. The most common side effects are headaches, fast heartbeat, and upset stomach, but these usually aren't serious. Don't suddenly stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first, because your blood pressure could spike dangerously. If you accidentally take too much, call poison control or go to the emergency room right away. Since this medicine works best when taken regularly, it's important to take it exactly as your doctor tells you and keep all your appointments for blood pressure checks.