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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have low blood pressure;
• have had a stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke), or a serious head injury;
• have anemia;
• have an allergy to nitrates;
• have closed-angle glaucoma;
• suffer from migraines;
• have systemic lupus erythematosus;
• have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in your blood;
• have pulmonary hypertension;
• have kidney disease; or
• have liver disease.

You may not be able to take hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.

Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether hydralazine or isosorbide dinitrate pass into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience dizziness from hydralazine. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.

How should I take hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil)?

Take hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not stop taking hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate suddenly. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the drug completely.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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