hydralazine

A direct-acting vasodilatorvasodilatorvay-zoh-DY-lay-terA drug that widens blood vessels by relaxing the muscle in their walls.vas/o vesseldilat to widen-or one that doesFull entry Close given by mouth, IV or IM. It is used for high blood pressure, for severe high blood pressure in pregnancy (as in preeclampsiapreeclampsiapree-ih-KLAMP-see-uhA disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.pre- beforeeclampsia Full entry Close), and with isosorbide dinitrate for heart failure. As the blood pressure drops, the heart may speed up (reflex tachycardia); headache, flushing and fluid retention are also common. Long-term high doses can cause a lupus-like reaction. Its name looks like hydrochlorothiazidehydrochlorothiazidehy-droh-klor-oh-THY-uh-zideA thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure and reduces swelling by helping the kidneys remove salt and water.Full entry Close, hydromorphonehydromorphonehy-droh-MOR-foneA strong opioid pain medicine, given by mouth, by injection or into a vein.Full entry Close and hydroxyzinehydroxyzinehy-DROK-sih-zeenA sedating antihistamine used for anxiety, itching and nausea, and to calm clients before or after surgery.Full entry Close.

After an IV dose, check blood pressure and heart rate often, as the facility's protocol directs, and in pregnancy watch the fetal heart rate. Teach the client to rise slowly and to report joint pain, fever or a rash.