Module 3 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction General Information About Taking Heart Failure Medicines Heart Failure Medicines ACE Inhibitor Pills ACE Inhibitors: Management Tips and Commons Side Effects ACE Inhibitors: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Beta-Blocker Pills Beta-Blocker: Management Tips and Common Side Effects Beta-Blocker: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Digoxin Pills Digoxin: Management Tips and Common Side Effects Diuretics Diuretics: Management Tips and Common Side Effects Questions and Answers About Diuretics Aldosterone Antagonist Pills Aldosterone Antagonist: Management Tips and Common Side Effects ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blockade) Pills Combination Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine Pills Questions & Answers on Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine Anticoagulant Medicines Potassium Pills Medicines to Avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines Calcium Channel Blockers Antiarrhythmic Medicines Alternative Therapy Interactions General Questions and Answers About Heart Failure Medicines Keeping Track of Your Medicines Learn More About Heart Failure

Combination Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine Pills

The combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine is called a vasodilator because it relaxes blood vessels and eases the work of the heart. The medicine works by supplying nitric oxide to the heart and blood vessels. Nitric oxide is an important substance which is often lacking in people with heart failure. The combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine may work particularly well in people of African American descent, because they may be somewhat deficient in the production of nitric oxide.

A study completed in 2005 that included only people with heart failure who considered themselves African American showed that people on the combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine did better than those who were not on the combination medicine. The combination medicine prolonged life, reduced the need for hospitalization, and improved well-being when it was taken with all other prescribed heart failure medicines.

If your doctor prescribes pills with a combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine for you, it is very important that you continue to take all of your heart medicines so that you can achieve all of the benefits of the new medicine.

Combination Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine Pills: Management Tips and Common Side Effects

The combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine can cause headaches, especially right after you start taking the pills. They may become less intense as you continue to take the pills. Taking acetaminophen can also help with headaches.

Other commonly reported side effects of these pills are:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling lightheaded or even fainting if you consume too much alcohol or do not drink enough fluids.

All nitrates, including sublingual nitroglycerin (taken under the tongue) and the combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine can cause low blood pressure. When nitrates are combined with drugs designed to treat erectile dysfunction, low blood pressure can also occur. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if the side effects listed or others are a concern.