Apresoline Side Effects

Generic name: hydralazine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 4, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Apresoline Side Effects associated with hydralazine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Apresoline.

Applies to hydralazine: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Hydralazine may cause some people to have headaches or to feel dizzy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Serious side effects of Apresoline

Along with its needed effects, hydralazine (the active ingredient contained in Apresoline) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hydralazine:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking hydralazine:

Symptoms of overdose

• feeling of warmth
• headache
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Other side effects of Apresoline

Some side effects of hydralazine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to hydralazine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects were palpitations and tachycardia.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Palpitations, tachycardia
• Common (1% to 10%): Angina pectoris, flushing, hypotension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Heart failure, vasculitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Paradoxical pressor response^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disturbances
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Paralytic ileus
• Frequency not reported: Constipation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Peripheral neuritis, paresthesia, tremor, polyneuritis
• Frequency not reported: Tingling, numbness^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, joint swelling, myalgia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome
• Frequency not reported: Muscle cramp^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Positive antinuclear factor^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasal congestion, dyspnea, pleural pain^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, splenomegaly, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia
• Frequency not reported: Blood dyscrasias, hemoglobin decreased, red cell count decreased^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum creatinine increased, glomerulonephritis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, purpura, urticaria, pruritus^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Jaundice, liver enlarged, abnormal liver function, hepatitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Proteinuria, hematuria, urinary retention
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Retroperitoneal fibrosis
• Frequency not reported: Urination difficult^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lacrimation increased, conjunctivitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Exophthalmos^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, fever, weight decreased, malaise
• Frequency not reported: Chills^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, anxiety
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Depression, hallucinations
• Frequency not reported: Psychotic reactions, disorientation, anxiety^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Apresoline side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer