hydralazine hydrochloride

Hydralazine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of hydralazine, and has antihypertensive activities. Basically, Hydralazine alters intracellular calcium release and interferes with smooth muscle cell calcium influx, resulting in arterial vasodilatation. Besides, this agent also inhibits the phosphorylation of myosin protein and chelation of trace metals required for smooth muscle contraction, resulting in an increase in heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output. As far as the side effects are concerned, they may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, rash, fever, edema and confusion. Although no adequate human studies have examined the effects of this drug on the fetus, animal reproduction studies have shown hydralazine to have adverse fetal effects. Therefore, in making the decision to administer this drug during pregnancy, the potential risks to the fetus must be weighed against the potential benefits to the mother. Additionally, caution should be exercised when hydralazine is administered to a nursing woman; however, some experts consider hydralazine to be compatible with breast-feeding.