Hydralazine

(Apresoline)

Cardiovascular Agents

Hydralazine is a direct arteriolar vasodilator used for hypertension and heart failure. It reduces afterload through direct smooth muscle relaxation. Hydralazine is particularly valuable in pregnancy-associated hypertension and as part of heart failure regimens in African Americans. The drug causes reflex tachycardia requiring concomitant β-blockade in many cases.