Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate

Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate is a combination medication used in the treatment of heart failure. It contains two active ingredients: hydralazine, a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen), and isosorbide dinitrate, a nitrate drug that also causes vasodilation by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, particularly the veins.

Indications

Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate is indicated for the treatment of heart failure in patients who are not adequately controlled with standard treatments. It is also used in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

Pharmacology

Hydralazine is a direct-acting smooth muscle relaxant used to treat hypertension by acting on the arterial smooth muscle to decrease peripheral resistance, thereby decreasing blood pressure. Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate vasodilator that works by increasing nitric oxide in vascular smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and vasodilation.

Side Effects

Common side effects of hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate include headache, dizziness, and hypotension. Less common side effects include tachycardia, palpitations, and angina pectoris.

Contraindications

Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hydralazine, isosorbide dinitrate, or any other component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe anemia, acute myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease.

Interactions

Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate may interact with other medications, including phosphodiesterase inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

See Also

• Heart failure
• Hydralazine
• Isosorbide dinitrate
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptor blockers