Hydralazine Flashcards
1
Q
What is the brand/trade name for hydralazine?
2
Q
What is the pharmacologic category/class of hydralazine?
A
- Direct acting arterial vasodilator/Antihypertensive
3
Q
What is the mechanism of action of hydralazine?
A
While not exactly understood, the following are the most widely accepted theories:
- inhibition of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in arterial smooth muscle
- increases vascular concentrations of nitric oxide → inhibits interaction of myosin and actin
4
Q
What is the dose range of hydralazine for perioperative hypertension?
A
- 5-20 mg bolus q4-6 hrs
Sources range from 2.5-40 mg
5
Q
____________ frequently accompanies the decrease in blood pressure following administration of hydralazine
A
- Tachycardia
6
Q
What is the onset of action for hydralazine?
A
- ~10 minutes on average, with peak effect in >20 minutes
Ranges from 2-80 minutes and may depend on depth of anesthesia… ew
7
Q
What is the duration of action for hydralazine?
A
- 2-12 hours
Again… ew
8
Q
What organ(s) are responsible for hydralazine’s clearance (metabolism/elimination)?
A
- Metabolism: Liver
- Elimination: Kidneys
