Apresoline

What is it?

A vasodilator available in the form of tablets of two strengths and as a powder for reconstitution for injection. It contains hydralazine hydrochloride. Yellow tablets (25mg) are sugar-coated and marked CIBA and GF, while the deep pink tablets are marked in the same way and contain 50mg. APRESOLINE INJECTION contains 20mg hydralazine hydrochloride as a powder in an ampoule for reconstitution.

Medical Uses

Moderate and severe chronic heart failure. Also, used for moderate to severe hypertension.

Dosage

For hypertension in adults (along with β-blocker and thiazide diuretic), 25mg twice a day at first increasing to a maximum of 200mg daily. For cardiac failure in adults (with diuretics and cardiac glycosides), 25mg 3-4 times each day increasing to 5075mg 4 times a day every second day.

Special Care

Patients with coronary or cerebrovascular disease, liver disor ders, severe kidney failure, nursing mothers. Withdrawal should be gradual.

Avoid Use

Children, first half of pregnancy, patients with certain heart disorders (aortic, mitral stenosis, tachycardia, idiopathic SLE, constructive pericarditis, dissecting aortic aneurysm, cor pulmonale).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Anaesthetics, TCADs, MAOIl, antihypertensive drugs, diazoxide, CNS depressants.

Known Side Effects

Hypotension, tachycardia, angina, headache, flushes, especially with daily dose exceeding 100mg. Protein in urine, blood in urine, kidney failure, urine retention. Possible though rare, liver damage, nerve disorders and blood changes.