Hydralazine belongs to a class of medicines known as potassium channel openers. It helps in the removal of potassium from the walls of arteries. This results in increased space in the arteries for the blood to flow easily, thereby reducing the workload of the heart to pump the blood. It also improves the blood and oxygen supply to your heart muscle. It is prescribed to patients with stable angina (heart-related chest pain) who cannot take other medicines (beta blockers, calcium channel antagonist) meant for the treatment of angina.

No, you should not stop taking Hydralazine without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping the medication may cause reoccurring of your anginal pain. It would be better to consult your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects.

Hydralazine starts working after about an hour of taking the medicine. However, full benefits may be seen only after 4 to 5 days. Consult your doctor if you do not notice any significant improvement in your condition.

Hydralazine is generally prescribed for a long term. You may even need to take it for the rest of your life. You should continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. However, if you experience any bothersome side effects, consult your doctor.

Taking Hydralazine in excess may cause low blood pressure and the person may feel weak or dizzy. Also, one may experience irregular or fast heartbeat. In case of an overdose, immediately consult the doctor and seek emergency medical help.

You should avoid taking Hydralazine and aspirin together. Taking these two medicines together increases the risk of ulcer or bleeding in the mouth, stomach or intestine. Immediately consult your doctor if you notice blood in your stool or vomit while using Hydralazine.

People who are allergic to Hydralazine or any of its ingredients should avoid using Hydralazine. Also, patients who have heart problems such as cardiogenic shock or left ventricular failure with low filling pressure or cardiac decompensation or have a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) should not use Hydralazine. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using Hydralazine in people taking medicines to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil) or medicines to treat pulmonary hypertension (e.g., riociguat). This is because these medicines may interfere with the working of Hydralazine and affect your blood pressure. Fluctuations in blood pressure could also be due to low blood volume.

No, Hydralazine does not affect your sex life. However, it is not recommended to take Hydralazine with other medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil or tadalafil) or premature ejaculation (e.g., vardenafil or dapoxetine). Taking these together can lead to a serious drop in your blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.