Generic Name Brand Name Classification Mechanism of Action Indications Adverse Reactions Nursing ConsiderationshydralazineDosage: 5 mgre!uency:"RN for B" # $%&'$&&Route: I(A)resoline Pharmacologic:"eri)heral vasodilatorTherapeutic:Anti hy)ertensiveIt is a )eri)heral arterial vasodilator and causes rela*ation of +lood vessels ,hich carry +lood a,ay from the heart and to,ards the organs and tissues- .ydrazine affects calcium movement ,ithin +lood vessels- Calcium is re!uired for muscle contraction and therefore distur+ances incalcium movement may cause smooth muscle rela*ation in the +lood vessels- .ydralazine is selective for arterioles /small arteries01 and the overall effects of treatment include a decrease in arterial +lood )ressure1 and )eri)heral vascular resistance- 2ssential hy)ertension 3evere essential hy)ertension "re eclam)sia 2clam)siaCNS:.eadache1 )eri)heral neuritis1 dizziness1 tremors1 )sychotic reactions1 characterized +y de)ression1 disorientation1 an*ietyCV:"al)itations1 tachycardia1angina )ectoris1 hy)otension1)arado*ical )ressor res)onse1orthostatic hy)otensionGI:Anore*ia1 nausea1 vomiting 1diarrhea1 consti)ation1 )aralyticileusGU:Difficult micturition1 im)otenceHematologic:Blood dyscrasiasHypersensitivity:Rash1 urticaria1)ruritus1 fever1 chills1 arthralgia1eosino)hilia4 rarely1 he)atits1o+structive 5aundice Assess )ossi+ility for interactions ,ith other drugs the )atient may +e ta6ing es)ecially anything that may im)act +lood )ressure +efore start of treatment Monitor )atient7s +lood )ressure every 5 minutes for8 hrs1 then every hour for 8 hrs1then every 9 hrs Assess )ulse15ugular venousdistention every 9 hours Assess for rales1 dys)nea1 ortho)nea4 )eri)heral edema1fatigue1,eight gain15ugular vein distention Monitor electrolytes1+lood studies4 )otassium1sodium1chloride1 car+on dio*ide1CBC1serum glucose Monitor ,eight1 in)ut : out)ut4 edema in feet1 and legs daily4 chec6 s6in turgor1 dryness of mucous mem+ranes for hydration status-Other:Nasal congestion1 flushing1edema1 muscle cram)s1lym)hadeno)athy1 s)lenomegaly1dys)nea1 lu)us;li6e syndrome1)ossi+le carcinogenesis1 lacrimation1 con5unctivitis