What is this medicine?

HYDRALAZINE; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, HCTZ (hye DRAL a zeen; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of a vasodilator and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• changes in vision

• chest pain, or fast or irregular heartbeat

• eye pain

• feeling faint or dizzy

• fever, chills, or sore throat

• gout attack

• muscle pain or cramps

• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

• pain or difficulty when passing urine

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• shortness of breath

• stiff or swollen joints

• sudden weight gain

• swelling of the feet or legs

• swollen lymph glands

• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• diarrhea, or constipation

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting or stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

• calcium supplements

• diazoxide

• digoxin

• lithium

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• methyldopa

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood vessel disease

• diabetes

• gout

• heart disease including angina or history of heart attack

• immune system problems, like lupus

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• pancreatitis

• small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydralazine, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.