HYDRALAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Rx only Hydralazine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is an antihypertensive available in a 2 mL vial for intravenous and intramuscular administration. Each mL of the sterile, nonpyrogenic colorless solution contains hydralazine hydrochloride USP, 20 mg; methylparaben NF, 0.65 mg; propylparaben NF, 0.35 mg; propylene glycol USP, 103.6 mg, and Water for Injection USP q.s. The pH of the solution is 3.4 to 4.4. pH may be adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide. Hydralazine hydrochloride is 1-hydrazinophthalazine monohydrochloride, and its structural formula is: Hydralazine hydrochloride USP is a white to off-white, odorless crystalline powder. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and very slightly soluble in ether. It melts at about 275°C, with decomposition. STRUCTURE

INDICATIONS & USAGE Severe essential hypertension when the drug cannot be given orally or when there is an urgent need to lower blood pressure.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION When there is urgent need, therapy in the hospitalized patient may be initiated intramuscularly or as a rapid intravenous bolus injection directly into the vein. Hydralazine Hydrochloride Injection should be used only when the drug cannot be given orally. The usual dose is 20-40 mg, repeated as necessary. Certain patients (especially those with marked renal damage) may require a lower dose. Blood pressure should be checked frequently. It may begin to fall within a few minutes after injection, with the average maximal decrease occurring in 10-80 minutes. In cases where there has been increased intracranial pressure, lowering the blood pressure may increase cerebral ischemia. Most patients can be transferred to oral hydralazine hydrochloride within 24-48 hours. The product should be used immediately after the vial is opened. The product should not be added to infusion solutions. Hydralazine Hydrochloride Injection may discolor upon contact with metal; discolored solutions should be discarded. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Hypersensitivity to hydralazine, coronary artery disease, mitral valvular rheumatic heart disease.

Adverse reactions with hydralazine hydrochloride are usually reversible when dosage is reduced. However, in some cases it may be necessary to discontinue the drug. The following adverse reactions have been observed, but there has not been enough systematic collection of data to support an estimate of their frequency. Common: Headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, tachycardia, angina pectoris. Less Frequent: Digestive-constipation, paralytic ileus. Cardiovascular - hypotension, paradoxical pressor response, edema. Respiratory - dyspnea. Neurologic - peripheral neuritis, evidenced by paresthesia, numbness, and tingling; dizziness; tremors; muscle cramps, psychotic reactions characterized by depression, disorientation, or anxiety. Genitourinary - difficulty in urination. Hematologic - blood dyscrasias, consisting of reduction in hemoglobin and red cell count, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, purpura; lymphadenopathy; splenomegaly. Hypersensitive Reactions - rash, urticaria, pruritis, fever, chills, arthralgia, eosinophilia, and, rarely, hepatitis. Other - nasal congestion, flushing, lacrimation, conjunctivitis.