Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN tablet
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What is Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN tablets?
HYDRALAZINE; ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE, ISDN (BiDil®) is a combination of two drugs used to treat heart failure in patients self-identified as black. Hydralazine; isosorbide dinitrate works by relaxing blood vessels, increasing the blood oxygen supply to your heart. Heart failure happens when the heart muscles are too weak to pump enough blood through out the body. This medicine is not a cure for heart failure, however it is important that you take this medication regularly.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia
• blood vessel disease
• chest pain
• glaucoma
• heart disease or history of heart attacks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• overactive thyroid
• recent head injury, stroke, or bleeding in the brain
• system lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• an unusual reaction to hydralazine, isosorbide dinitrate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Take hydralazine; isosorbide dinitrate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. It is best if you take your medication at the same time every day. You may take this medicine with or without food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and may need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
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 drug(s) may interact with Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN?
Do not take hydralazine; isosorbide dinitrate with any of the following:
• sildenafil (Viagra®)
• tadalafil (Cialis®)
• vardenafil (Levitra®)
Viagra® (sildenafil), Cialis® (tadalafil), or Levitra® (vardenafil) should not be taken with this medication to avoid severe side effects including very low blood pressure and other complications.
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
• alcohol
• antiinflammatory rugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• female hormones including contraceptive or birth control pills
• hawthorn, crataegus laevigata
• medicine for high blood pressure
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for Parkinson's disease containing Levodopa, such as Atamet®, Parcopa™, Sinemet® and Sinemet CR®, Stalevo™, and Larodopa®
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• nitroglycerin
• water pills
• weight loss medication containing Ephedra, Ma Huang
• zalcitabine, ddC
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN?
Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking hydralazine; isosorbide dinitrate. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you feel your medicine is no longer having any effect.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how isosorbide dinitrate affects you. To reduce the risk os 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, headache, or pain while you are receiving hydralazine, without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Hydralazine; Isosorbide Dinitrate, ISDN?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• bluish discoloration of lips, fingernails, or palms of hands
• chest pain or irregular heart beat (palpitations)
• difficulty urinating
• dizziness or fainting
• excessive sweating
• feeling of extreme pressure in the head
• fever, chills, sore throat, muscle cramps
• low blood pressure
• numbness, pain, and tingling in the hands and feet
• shortness of breath
• skin rash including welts around the lips and mouth
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of the legs or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• flushing of the face or neck
• headache
• lightheadedness, especially when changing from a seated or lying position
• nasal congestion
• nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
