Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Hydralazine as follows: Be aware of signs and symptoms of hypotension, to avoid any episodes of altered levels of consciousness and accidental falls. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by Hydralazine. Be aware of signs and symptoms of tachycardia, as extremely high heart rate, secondary to use of Hydralazine, [...]

Patient was educated on the side effects of using Hydralazine as follows: Symptoms of hypotension can occur secondary to arterial vasodilation. Accommodation of more blood in the arterial system can reduce blood supply to distant vital organs, such as, brain and result in symptoms such as, dizziness, headache, and feeling lightheaded. Patients can present with a rapid heart rate, as a compensatory measure for the reduced blood pressure. Increased blood flow out of the heart [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for using Hydralazine as follows: Hydralazine is contraindicated in individuals with abnormally high heart rates. So, if your heart rate is being abnormally high (consistently more than 100), with the use of Hydralazine, report this to your physician immediately. Hydralazine is contraindicated in individuals with abnormally low blood pressures. Use of Hydralazine in these individuals can result in extremely low blood pressure with reduced flow to vital organs. So, if [...]

Patient was educated on how to take Hydralazine as follows: Take the medication at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not change the dose on Hydralazine without consulting your doctor. Take a blood pressure reading always before you take the pill. Maintain a log of every day [...]

Patient was educated on Hydralazine and its mechanism of action as follows: Constricted or collapsed arteries offer more resistance for the pumping action of the heart and contribute towards increased blood pressure. Use of Hydralazine results in arterial vasodilation, reduced resistance in the arteries, and contributes towards reduced blood pressure. Also, decreased resistance in the arteries results in more amount of blood pumped by the heart into the arterial system with reduced effort. This action [...]