High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure," is a health problem that many people in our country face. Doctors prescribe various medications to treat this. Hydralazine is one such medication. Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed this medication. So today, let's talk about this Hydralazine pill, what it does, and what precautions you should take while using it.
What is Hydralazine?
Simply put, Hydralazine is a medication that is used to control high blood pressure. Think of the blood vessels in our body as pipes that carry water. High blood pressure means that the pressure inside these pipes is high. Then the heart has to work harder to pump the blood.
What this Hydralazine medicine does is widen (relax) those blood vessels a little. Then the pressure inside the blood vessels decreases, and blood flow becomes easier. Therefore, the burden on the heart also decreases. This is the main action of this medicine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before prescribing Hydralazine, your doctor will ask you about certain things, but you should definitely tell them about these things as well.
- If you have heart disease , for example, chest pain (angina) or a previous heart attack.
- If you have any kidney or liver disease.
- If you have diseases related to the immune system, such as SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Hydralazine or any other medicine, food, or dye (especially tartrazine dye).
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor about these things.
How should I use this medicine?
This is a pill that you take by mouth. It is very important to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, in the right dose, at the right time. This usually means taking it at the same time every day .
You can take this with or without food. But the most important thing is to continue taking it as you started. That is, if you started taking it before a meal, continue taking it before a meal. If you started taking it after a meal, continue taking it that way.
Most importantly: Never stop taking this medication on your own unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to suddenly increase.
If you are giving this medicine to children, it may require special care, so talk to your doctor about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Go for regular check-ups: Go to clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition.
- Measure your blood pressure: If possible, measure and record your blood pressure and pulse rate at home regularly. Learn what your normal blood pressure should be and at what level you should call your doctor.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may feel dizzy or drowsy while taking this medication. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Be careful when getting up from a sitting or standing position suddenly. Especially if you are elderly, get up slowly. Otherwise, you may get dizzy and fall.
- No alcohol: Alcohol consumption can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely.
- About other medications: Always ask your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or other ailments while you are taking this medicine. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
What are the possible side effects of Hydralazine?
Like any medicine, Hydralazine can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart Attack Signs | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Lupus-like Syndrome | Joint pain or swelling, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, skin rash that worsens when exposed to the sun, fever, unusual fatigue. |
| Problems with the limbs | Pain, numbness in the hands or feet. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Headaches may occur when you first start taking the medication. |
| Palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms in addition to these, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Hydralazine is a medication used to control high blood pressure. It should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
- Never stop taking your medication on your own unless your doctor tells you to.
- Be careful when driving and doing hazardous work, as dizziness and drowsiness may occur when taking the medicine.
- Avoid alcohol completely.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
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