What is Hydralazine?

is one of the 'older' antihypertensives and is not commonly used nowadays.

What is the main clinical use of Hydralazine?

used for hypertension in pregnancy and for severe hypertension

What is the Mechanism of action of Hydralazine?

increases cGMP leading to smooth muscle relaxation

What are the Contraindications of Hydralazine?

• systemic lupus erythematous
• ischaemic heart disease/cerebrovascular disease

What are the main adverse effects of Hydralazine?

• tachycardia
• palpitations
• flushing
• fluid retention
• headache
• drug-induced lupus