dihydralazine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Dihydralazine acts by directly relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of arteries, leading to vasodilation. 

The vasodilatory effect on the arterioles, resulting in decreased systemic vascular resistance.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Nausea 

Palpitations 

Headache 

Increased heart rate  

Diarrhea 

Loss of appetite 

Vomiting 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Dihydralazine is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to any of its components. 
• Dihydralazine may be contraindicated in individuals with mitral valve rheumatic heart disease due to the risk of reflex tachycardia. 

Caution: 

• Dihydralazine should be used cautiously in individuals with impaired renal function.  
• Dihydralazine should be used with caution in patients with peripheral vascular disease. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

Dihydralazine reduces systemic vascular resistance. This reduction in resistance facilitates blood flow and decreases the workload on the heart. 

Pharmacodynamics 

The heart rate may increase in response to the decrease in blood pressure, which helps to maintain adequate blood flow to tissues. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Dihydralazine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

Dihydralazine is distributed to various tissues.  

Metabolism 

Dihydralazine undergoes hepatic metabolism in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

Dihydralazine is excreted through the kidneys. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

Dihydralazine is taken orally in form of tablet. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dihydralazine 

Why do we use dihydralazine? 

Dihydralazine is used for the treatment of hypertension. 

It is also used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of heart failure.