Hydralazine (hye-DRAL-a-zeen), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of a vasodilator and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. You may need to eat foods that are high in potassium (such as oranges or bananas) to prevent potassium loss while you are using this medicine.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting. Most adults should drink at least eight to ten (8 ounce) cups of water during the day.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using diazoxide (Proglycem®), lithium (Eskalith®), methyldopa (Aldomet®), or MAO inhibitors (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Tell your doctor if you use digoxin (Lanoxin®), or steroids such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®. Make sure your doctor knows if you also use corticotropins (ACTH, H.P. ACTHAR®). Tell your doctor if you use pain or arthritis medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Motrin®. These medicines may also be called "NSAID's".
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.
• Ask your doctor before you use low-salt milk, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney or liver disease, gout, diabetes, lupus, or if you are on dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart or parathyroid disease, pancreatitis, asthma, or if you have had a stroke or any surgeries.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Appetite loss, mild nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Headache, or light-headedness.
• Joint pain.
• Stuffy nose or watery eyes.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088