Name: Hydralazine
Class: CHF Rx (Vasodilator)
Mechanism: Acts directly on smooth muscle cells ® vasodilation. Mechanism unknown.
¯ BP ® reflex tachycardia & CO. renin concentration. NE in heart failure.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Reversible lupus-like synd. Headache, nausea, sweating, arrhythmia, angina, tachycardia.
Utility: Treat CHF. Chronic use ® reduction in two year mortality by 34%. Almost always coadmin. w/b-blocker (to oppose tachycardia) and a diuretic (to decrease Na+ retention). Treat resistant HTN and hypertensive emergencies.
Special Features: