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Hydralazine

Also indexed as: Apresoline®

Combination drug: Apresazide®

Hydralazine is a drug used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Hydralazine relaxes the muscles that control the diameter of blood vessels. This relaxation allows the blood vessels to dilate (open wider), lowering blood pressure.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 can bind to hydralazine to form a complex that is excreted in the urine, increasing vitamin B6 loss.1 This may lead to vitamin B6 deficiency.2 People taking hydralazine should consult with their doctor to discuss the possibility of vitamin B6 supplementation.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Taking hydralazine with food improves the absorption of the drug.3 People with questions should ask their prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol
Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure. This action may add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of hydralazine and increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or accidental falls. People taking hydralazine should avoid alcohol and should read all product labels carefully for alcohol content.

Summary of Interactions for Hydralazine

Depletion or interference Vitamin B6
Adverse interaction None known
Side effect reduction/prevention None known
Supportive interaction None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known

For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

References:

1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 131–2.

2. Raskin NH, Rishman RA. Pyridoxine-deficiency neuropathy due to hydralazine. N Engl J Med 1965;273:1182–5.

3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihypertensives, Vasodilators, Hydralazine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 163r–4b.