Hydralazine
Brand: Apresoline (US/EU) / Hydrin (IN) / Hydral (BD)
Antihypertensive
Direct vasodilator (Arteriolar)
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 3 hours |
| Tmax | 1 h |
| Bioavailability | 35 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 90 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 3 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Undergoes acetylation in liver; slow acetylators show prolonged action; given orally or IV; used in pregnancy-induced hypertension. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Headache, flushing, tachycardia, edema, lupus-like syndrome
Contraindications:
Coronary artery disease, rheumatic mitral valvular disease
Precautions:
Avoid monotherapy due to reflex tachycardia; use with β-blocker and diuretic; monitor ANA if long-term therapy