Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
Brand Name :
Apresoline
Synonyms :
hydralazine
Class :
Vasodilators
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Injectable solutionÂ
20mg/mlÂ
TabletsÂ
10 mgÂ
25 mgÂ
50 mgÂ
100 mg Â
Take a dose of 10 mg orally every 6 hours for 2 to 4 days; also take a dose of 25 mg every 6 hours daily for the initial week
Then raise dose up to 50 mg every 6 hour from next week
Administer a dose of 20 to 40 mg intramuscularly or intravenously and repeat as required
Administer a dose of 10 to 40 mg intramuscularly or intravenously and dose should not be more than 20 mg
Repeat as required
Associated with Pregnancy
Administer dose of 0.5 to 10 mg/hr as intravenous infusion
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)Â
Take initial dose of 10 to 25 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours and titrate dose every 2 to 4 weeks
Take maintenance dose of 225 to 300 mg daily orally divided every 6 to 8 hour
Dosing considerations
Adjust dose according to individual response
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Injectable solutionÂ
20mg/mlÂ
TabletsÂ
10 mgÂ
25 mgÂ
50 mgÂ
100 mgÂ
Administer dose of 1.7 to 3.5 mg/kg daily intramuscularly or intravenously divided in 4 to 6 doses
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)Â
For Infants:
Administer dose of 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg intravenously every 6 to 8 hours and dose should not be more than 2 mg/kg
For Children and adolescents:
Administer dose of 0.15 to 0.2 mg/kg intravenously every 4 to 6 hours and dose should not be more than 20 mg
For oral administration
Infants and older:
Administer dose of 0.75 to 3 mg/kg daily orally divided every 6 to 12 hours and daily dose should not be more than 200 mg
For Infants or older:
Administer dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg intravenously or intramuscularly every 4 to 6 hours initially ass needed; it may raise to usual dose of 1.7 to 3.5 mg/kg daily divided every 4 to 6 hours
Dose should not be more than 20 mg intramuscularly
Refer to adult dosingÂ
may decrease the antihypertensive effect when combined with hydralazine
may decrease the antihypertensive effect when combined with hydralazine
may decrease the antihypertensive effect when combined with hydralazine
may decrease the antihypertensive effect when combined with hydralazine
may decrease the antihypertensive effect when combined with hydralazine
It may enhance the toxicity when combined with mipomersen
it may diminish the excretion rate when combined with permethrin, resulting in an enhanced serum level
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
It may diminish the metabolism when combined with Vasodilators
When alprazolam and hydralazine is used together, this leads to reduction in the alprazolam’s metabolism
hydralazine: they may decrease the antihypertensive effect of antihypertensive agents
hydralazine: they may decrease the antihypertensive effect of antihypertensive agents
hydralazine: they may decrease the antihypertensive effect of antihypertensive agents
hydralazine: they may decrease the antihypertensive effect of antihypertensive agents
hydralazine: they may decrease the antihypertensive effect of antihypertensive agents
when both drugs are combined, there may be a reduced metabolism of etoposide   
when both drugs are combined, there may be a decreased metabolism of vinblastine  
May enhances the effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism
may enhance the effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism
may increase the vasodilatory effect
may increase the vasodilatory effect
may increase the vasodilatory effect
may increase the vasodilatory effect
may increase the vasodilatory effect
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
Actions and SpectrumÂ
The mechanism of action of hydralazine involves the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the walls of arterioles. By relaxing these blood vessels, hydralazine reduces peripheral resistance, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
Frequency not defined Â
HypotensionÂ
TachycardiaÂ
Peripheral edemaÂ
Paralytic ileusÂ
ArthralgiaÂ
SLE syndromeÂ
ThrombocytopeniaÂ
AnorexiaÂ
DysureaÂ
Chest painÂ
DiarrheaÂ
Rheumatoid arthritisÂ
AgranulocytosisÂ
HepatotoxicityÂ
Peripheral neuritisÂ
AgranulocytosisÂ
Psychotic reactionÂ
DyspneaÂ
Nasal congestionÂ
LeukopeniaÂ
HeadacheÂ
Vascular collapseÂ
NauseaÂ
VomitingÂ
Peripheral neuropathyÂ
PalpitationsÂ
ConjunctivitisÂ
Black Box WarningÂ
None
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindication:Â
Caution:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â
Pregnancy category: CÂ
Lactation: Excretion into human milk is known Â
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. Â
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.Â
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.Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.Â
Pharmacology Â
hydralazine is a direct-acting vasodilator medication with antihypertensive properties. Â
It causes vasodilation and a decrease in peripheral resistance by relaxing the smooth muscles that line the walls of arterioles. Â
PharmacodynamicsÂ
The smooth muscles of the arterioles are the main target of the powerful arterial vasodilator hydralazine. The vascular smooth muscle is directly relaxed, which causes the arteries to enlarge. Â
As a result of this dilatation, systemic vascular resistance is decreased, and blood pressure is lowered.Â
PharmacokineticsÂ
Absorption  Â
hydralazine is absorbed after oral administration.Â
DistributionÂ
hydralazine distributes throughout the body tissues. It is bound to plasma proteins, with approximately 87% to 90% bound to albumin.Â
MetabolismÂ
hydralazine undergoes metabolism in the liver, primarily through acetylation. Â
Elimination and excretionÂ
The elimination of hydralazine and its metabolites occurs primarily through the kidneys. The elimination half-life ranges from 2 to 7 hours. Â
AdministrationÂ
hydralazine is available in various formulations, including tablets and injectable solutions. Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: hydralazineÂ
Why do we use hydralazine?Â
hydralazine is an effective medication for lowering blood pressure.  Â
hydralazine helps relax and dilate the arterioles, reducing peripheral resistance and lowering blood pressure.Â