Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Hydralazine/Isosorbide Dinitrate Oral Tablet (ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE/HYDRALAZINE - ORAL)

For heart failure.

Brand Name(s): Bidil

Generic Name: Hydralazine/Isosorbide Dinitrate

Instructions

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not take this medicine with other medicines called PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis). Your doctor will let you know if it is safe for you to do so.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • dizziness
  • feeling of heat or flushing
  • headaches
  • nausea

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • increased risk of bruising and bleeding
  • unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
  • chest pain
  • fainting
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • pain in the joints
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

phone number