Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Hydra-Zide

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and hye DRAL a zeen)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Hydra-Zide)?
• What happens if I overdose (Hydra-Zide)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Hydralazine 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.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
• feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
• fast or uneven heartbeat;
• muscle pain or weakness;
• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• pale skin, easy bruising;
• painful or difficult urination;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• swelling in your face, stomach, hands, or feet;
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
• dark-colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• joint pain or swelling with fever, chest pain, weakness or tired feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation;
• headache;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• blurred vision;
• muscle or joint pain; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine (Hydra-Zide)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydralazine (Apresoline) or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you have coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease affecting the mitral valve, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, angina pectoris (chest pain), asthma or allergies, gout, lupus, diabetes, an allergy to sulfa drugs, or if you have ever had a stroke.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

There are many other medicines that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.