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Printable Version Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate

Active Ingredients: Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate
Other Names: BiDil , Hydralazine Hydrochloride and Isosorbide Dinitrate
Drug Class: Nitrate and Peripheral Vasodilator Combination
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate? (Back to top)
HYDRALAZINE; ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE is a combination of two vasodilator drugs. It is given in combination with other medicines to treat heart failure in black patients. 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • blood vessel disease
  • heart disease including angina or history of heart attack
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • previous heart attack or heart failure
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to hydralazine, isosorbide dinitrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine 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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • sildenafil
  • tadalafil
  • vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • medicines for high blood pressure
  • medicines for mental depression
  • other medicines for angina or heart failure

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands
  • chest pain, or fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever, chills, or sore throat
  • low blood pressure
  • nausea, vomiting
  • numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • persistent headache
  • 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):
  • diarrhea, or constipation
  • flushing of the face or neck
  • headache
  • loss of appetite

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.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you feel your medicine is no longer working.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

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.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:July 11, 2006

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate

  Learn how Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate is/are used to treat:
  • Heart Failure

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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