hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine

Brand name(s):

hydrALAZINE-hydrochlorothiazide, Hydra-Zide

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydralazine (Apresoline) or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, angina pectoris (chest pain), asthma or allergies, gout, lupus, diabetes, an allergy to sulfa drugs, or if you have ever had a stroke.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other medicines that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine?

Hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine, or if you have:

• coronary artery disease;

• rheumatic heart disease affecting the mitral valve.; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• angina pectoris (chest pain); or

• asthma or allergies;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes;

• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or

• if you have ever had stroke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.