Antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering medicine): Vasodilator
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Hydralazine is a medicine that lowers high blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through your body.
Directly relaxes vascular smooth muscle by inhibiting calcium influx and increasing intracellular cAMP levels, causing vasodilation of arterioles and reducing peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure.
High blood pressure (hypertension), severe high blood pressure emergencies, high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), heart failure
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it.
This is a prescription-only medicine, so do not buy from roadside sellers or use someone else's prescription, as wrong dosing can be very dangerous. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice as your blood pressure can shoot up dangerously. Attend your regular check-ups so your doctor can monitor your blood pressure and check for side effects.
Avoid drinking alcohol while on this medicine as it can make your blood pressure drop too low and cause dangerous dizziness. Be careful if you are taking other blood pressure medicines (like amlodipine or lisinopril) as the combined effect can make your blood pressure drop dangerously low. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac can reduce how well hydralazine works.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Hydralazine with your other drugs?
Hydralazine is actually one of the preferred medicines used to treat dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy, but it must only be used under a doctor's close supervision. Never take it on your own during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity, which is especially important in Nigeria's hot climate. Keep the injection away from light. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.