Saturday, April 9, 2011

Hydralazine

Mechanism of action:

It results in vasodilatation by activating guanylate cyclase in the smooth muscles of the arteries. The stimulant is thought to be nitric oxide (NO), which comes from the local oxidation.

Actions:
It causes a decreased diastolic blood pressure more than systolic blood pressure.

Pharmacokinetics:
It is absorbed orally. Its half life ranges from 1.5-6 hours.

Therapeutic uses:
It is used for moderate to serious hypertension
It is used for acute and chronic congestive heart failure.

Adverse effects:
It may cause headache, dizziness, malaise, flushing, angina, anorexia, nausea, sweating.

Contraindications:
It is contraindicated in patients with coronary artery disease and lupus erythematosus.

Dosage:
It is given in the dose of 40-200 mg/day.

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