BiDil Side Effects

Generic name: hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about BiDil.

Applies to hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate: oral tablet Side Effects associated with hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name BiDil.

Applies to hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Do not take avanafil (Stendra®), riociguat (Adempas®), sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), or vardenafil (Levitra®) while you are using this medicine. Using these medicines together may cause blurred vision, severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. If you are taking these medicines and you experience an angina attack, you must go to the hospital right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness may occur, especially when you get up quickly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting is also more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are taking this medicine, be careful to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Also, use extra care during exercise or hot weather or if you must stand for long periods of time.

Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, fever, joint pain, or unusual tiredness or weakness. These may be symptoms of an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus.

This medicine may cause nerve problems. Call your doctor right away if you have burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings.

Serious side effects of BiDil

Along with its needed effects, hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate 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/isosorbide dinitrate:

Other side effects of BiDil

Some side effects of hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate 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 / isosorbide dinitrate: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were headache, dizziness, asthenia, and nausea.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (50%), dizziness (32%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia
• Postmarketing reports: Tinnitus, dysgeusia, hypoesthesia, migraine, syncope^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia (14%)
• Postmarketing reports: Vertigo, facial pain, chest discomfort, chest pain, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting
• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal discomfort, constipation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, ventricular tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, flushing^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia
• Postmarketing reports: Eyelid edema, vision blurred^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Erythema, hyperhidrosis, pruritus, face swelling^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Chromaturia, erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Pain in extremity, myalgia^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Pulmonary renal syndrome^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

BiDil 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