Hydralazine / Isosorbide Dinitrate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2024.

Applies to hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate: oral tablet.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• black, tarry stools
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• chest pain or discomfort
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• fever or chills
• headache, severe and throbbing
• joint pain
• light-colored stools
• lower back or side pain
• mood or mental changes
• muscle aches, cramps, or stiffness
• pain in the arms or legs
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or inside the mouth
• unusual behavior, such as disorientation to time or place, failure to recognize people, hyperactivity, or restlessness
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• unusual weight gain or loss
• yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects

Some side effects of hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• constipation
• headache
• nausea or vomiting

Less common side effects

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• cough
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• stuffy or runny nose

Incidence not known

• change in urine color
• continuing ringing, buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• feeling of warmth
• inability to have or keep an erection
• pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• sensation of spinning
• stomach soreness or discomfort

For healthcare professionals

Applies to hydralazine / isosorbide dinitrate: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were headache, dizziness, asthenia, and nausea.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (50%), dizziness (32%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia
• Postmarketing reports: Tinnitus, dysgeusia, hypoesthesia, migraine, syncope^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia (14%)
• Postmarketing reports: Vertigo, facial pain, chest discomfort, chest pain, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting
• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal discomfort, constipation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, ventricular tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, flushing^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia
• Postmarketing reports: Eyelid edema, vision blurred^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Erythema, hyperhidrosis, pruritus, face swelling^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Chromaturia, erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Pain in extremity, myalgia^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Pulmonary renal syndrome^[Ref]

Further information

Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer