Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Apo Hydralazine.
Blood tests: Rarely, Apo Hydralazine can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do regular blood tests to monitor your blood cell levels while you are taking Apo Hydralazine.
Kidney Disease: Decreased kidney function can cause Apo Hydralazine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Apo Hydralazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydralazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Apo Hydralazine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Hydralazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydralazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Apo Hydralazine.
Low blood pressure: Some people taking hydralazine may experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.
Lupus: Hydralazine may cause lupus-like symptoms (e.g., joint pain, fever, generalized rash). If these symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Apo Hydralazine should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Hydralazine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Apo Hydralazine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking hydralazine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Hydralazine have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the blood-lowering effects of hydralazine. It should be used with more caution.