Vasodilator (Hydralazine) - Medical Information PDF
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Summary
This document provides information about the vasodilator medication Hydralazine. It describes its action, indications, contraindications, dosage, potential adverse effects, and duration. Additional details include precautions and a pro-tip for managing heart-related issues. This information is useful for medical professionals.
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### Class Vasodilator ### Action Relaxes smooth muscles in the blood vessels, causing them to dilate and leading to increased blood flow and decreased blood pressure. Hydralazine works by acting on the arterioles and having a selective effect on the resistance vessels, which helps reduce the afterl...
### Class Vasodilator ### Action Relaxes smooth muscles in the blood vessels, causing them to dilate and leading to increased blood flow and decreased blood pressure. Hydralazine works by acting on the arterioles and having a selective effect on the resistance vessels, which helps reduce the afterload on the heart. ### Indications * Severe Hypertension * Acute Heart Failure ### Contraindications * Hypersensitivity * Acute MI * Aortic Dissection * Coronary Artery Disease ### Precautions Exercise caution in patients with underlying tachycardia, as Hydralazine can trigger reflex tachycardia, potentially worsening myocardial oxygen demand. Hydralazine can have potential drug interactions with MAOIS, NSAIDs and other antihypertensives. ### Dose & Route * Adults: 10-20 mg (IV/IM) slow bolus, followed by NS flush of given IV. May repeat after 20-30 min. (max total 40 mg). * Peds: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg (IV/IM) slow bolus, followed by NS flush. May repeat after 20-30 min. (max total 20 mg). ### Adverse Effects * Dizziness * Flushing * Nausea & Vomiting * Hypotension * Palpitations * Reflex Tachycardia ### Onset & Duration * Onset: 5-20 min. * Duration: 2-6 hrs. ### Pro Tip: To counteract reflex tachycardia, especially in patients with underlying cardiac issues, consider administering Hydralazine with a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers inhibit the sympathetic nervous system's response to vasodilation, reducing the HR and mitigating the risk of reflex tachycardia.
