Medication STUDENT NAME _____________________________________ Hydralazine MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________ vasodilator CATEGORY CLASS ______________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE OF MEDICATION Expected Pharmacological Action Peripheral arterial vasodilator. Therapeutic Use Lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive patients Complications Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, tachycardia, angina, edema, orthostatic hypotension Contraindications/Precautions Hypersensitivity, use cautiously in cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, severe renal and hepatic disease. Medication Administration PO Hypertension- 10mg 4 times daily initially. After 2-4 days may increase 25mg 4 times daily for the rest of the 1st week, then may increase to 50mg 4 times daily (up to 300mg/day) Nursing Interventions Monitor pulse and BP frequently, monitor frequency of prescription refills to determine adherence. Interactions Increase hypotension with acute ingestion of alcohol and other antihypertensives or nitrates. MAOi's may exaggerate hypotension. Client Education Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness Decrease in BP without side effects, decrease afterload in patients with HF. Emphasize the importance of continuing to take this medication even when feeling fine. Encourage patient to improve overall health status through diet and tolerate/permitted exercise. Inform patient medications might occasionaly cause drowsiness.