Apresoline is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries.

Apresoline is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Apresoline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings increase).

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use Apresoline if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• coronary artery disease; or
• rheumatic heart disease affecting the mitral valve.

To make sure Apresoline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• angina (chest pain); or
• a stroke.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Hydralazine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby are not known. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Apresoline is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Headache, pounding/fast heartbeat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may rarely cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor promptly if you experience numbness or tingling. Your doctor may recommend a vitamin B6 supplement (pyridoxine).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe tiredness, aching/swollen joints, rash on nose and cheeks, swollen glands, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody/pink urine), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood vessel disease
• heart disease including angina or history of heart attack
• kidney or liver disease
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to hydralazine, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.