Hydralazine Also indexed as: Apresoline
Hydralazine is a drug used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Hydralazine relaxes the muscles that control the diameter of blood vessels. This relaxation allows the blood vessels to dilate (open wider), lowering blood pressure.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. | Vitamin B6 |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Adverse interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 can bind to hydralazine to form a complex that is excreted in the urine, increasing vitamin B6 loss.1 This may lead to vitamin B6 deficiency.2 People taking hydralazine should consult with their doctor to discuss the possibility of vitamin B6 supplementation.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking hydralazine with food improves the absorption of the drug.3 People with questions should ask their prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
Alcohol
Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure. This action may add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of hydralazine and increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or accidental falls. People taking hydralazine should avoid alcohol and should read all product labels carefully for alcohol content.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 131–2.
2. Raskin NH, Rishman RA. Pyridoxine-deficiency neuropathy due to hydralazine. N Engl J Med 1965;273:1182–5.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Diuretics and Cardiovasculars, Antihypertensives, Vasodilators, Hydralazine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 163r–4b.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.