hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate Health Article

What should I avoid while taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Also, stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol also widens your blood vessels, and it can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness. If you consume alcohol, you could endanger yourself or others. Do not stop taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate suddenly. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the drug completely.

What are the possible side effects of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• blurred vision and dry mouth;

• irregular heartbeat; or

• blood in your urine or stools;

• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness of your arms or legs;

• fainting.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, continue to take isosorbide and talk to your doctor:

• headache or dizziness;

• flushing (redness of the face, neck and chest);

• nausea or vomiting;

• fast heartbeat;

• swollen ankles; or

• weakness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate?

Do not use sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra), or tadalafil (Cialis) while taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate. The combination could cause severe or life-threatening low blood pressure.

Before taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45); or

• any other heart medicines, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate is available with a prescription under the brand name BiDil. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• BiDil - 20mg isosorbide dinitrate / 37.5mg hydralazine - biconvex orange tablets.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.