Hydralazine Hydrochloride (Apresoline) Lecture Notes Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the Portage College Paramedic Program's guide on hydralazine hydrochloride (Apresoline).

Hydralazine hydrochloride

The generic name for a direct-acting vasodilator and antihypertensive medication.

Apresoline

The trade name for the medication hydralazine hydrochloride.

Direct-acting vasodilator

The classification of hydralazine, which causes direct relaxation of arteriolar smooth muscle.

$$20\,mg/mL$$

The supplied concentration of hydralazine hydrochloride per vial, which must be diluted prior to IV administration.

Reflex sympathetic stimulation

An action of hydralazine that may lead to an increase in heart rate and cardiac output.

Preeclampsia/eclampsia

Conditions in pregnancy where hydralazine is indicated as a treatment for hypertension.

$5\,mg$ to $10\,mg$

The dosage range for SIVP administration over $2$ minutes q $20\,min$ PRN for severe hypertension or hypertensive emergencies.

Acute dissecting aortic aneurysm

A contraindication for the administration of hydralazine hydrochloride.

Coronary artery disease

A contraindication for hydralazine due to the risk of increased myocardial oxygen demand.

Idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus

A pre-existing disease that serves as a contraindication for the use of hydralazine.

Increased intracranial pressure

A specific condition listed as a precaution when considering the use of hydralazine.

Reflex tachycardia

A potential side effect and note of concern where hydralazine has a less predictable response compared to labetalol.

Every $5$ minutes

The frequency at which blood pressure should be monitored and clinical response reassessed when using hydralazine.

$$10-20\%$$

The percentage goal for reducing Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) in the first hour of treatment.

Afterload

One of the cardiovascular components reduced by the actions of hydralazine, alongside blood pressure.