Hydralazine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
Hydralazine Hydrochloride, Hydrochlorothiazide Oral capsule
What is this medicine?
HYDRALAZINE; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, HCTZ (hye DRAL a zeen; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of a vasodilator and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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
diabetes
gout
heart disease including angina or history of heart attack
immune system problems, like lupus
kidney disease
liver disease
pancreatitis
small amount of urine or difficulty passing urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to hydralazine, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, 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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
calcium supplements
diazoxide
digoxin
lithium
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
medicines that relax muscles for surgery
methyldopa
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.
Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
changes in vision
chest pain, or fast or irregular heartbeat
eye pain
feeling faint or dizzy
fever, chills, or sore throat
gout attack
muscle pain or cramps
numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
pain or difficulty when passing urine
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
shortness of breath
stiff or swollen joints
sudden weight gain
swelling of the feet or legs
swollen lymph glands
unusual weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
diarrhea, or constipation
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting or stomach upset
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert