What is the brand name for Hydralazine?
The brand name for Hydralazine is Apresoline.
PTCB TOP 200 · #109
Hydralazine
Apresoline
Hydralazine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Apresoline. It is a direct vasodilator used to treat hypertension, HF. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Hydralazine ranks #109 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Hydralazine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Apresoline |
| Drug class | Direct vasodilator |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | hypertension, HF |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Hydralazine used for?
Vasodilator used to treat hypertension; also used (with isosorbide dinitrate) for heart failure in selected patients.
What drug class is Hydralazine?
Hydralazine is a Direct vasodilator in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Hydralazine
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightTachycardia/palpitations
- arrow_rightFlushing
- arrow_rightFluid retention/edema
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightNausea
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAdditive hypotension with other antihypertensives and nitrates
- arrow_rightMay cause reflex tachycardia—often used with beta‑blocker/diuretic in practice
- arrow_rightRare drug‑induced lupus risk—monitor with long‑term/high dose
Is Hydralazine a controlled substance?
No. Hydralazine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Hydralazine (PTCE mnemonic)
APRE-soline RElieves vessel tension — hydral-AZINE = direct arteriolar 'HYDRant'. Headache, reflex tachycardia, fluid retention; lupus-like syndrome with chronic use.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
The classic LASA pair: hydrALAZINE (blood pressure) vs hydrOXYzine (itching/anxiety) — Tall Man lettering exists because of this exact mix-up.
Hydralazine FAQ
What is Hydralazine used for?
Hydralazine is used to treat hypertension, HF. Vasodilator used to treat hypertension; also used (with isosorbide dinitrate) for heart failure in selected patients.
What drug class is Hydralazine?
Hydralazine is a Direct vasodilator (Cardiovascular group).
Is Hydralazine a controlled substance?
No. Hydralazine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Hydralazine
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really meansSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Hydralazine the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
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Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).