The Effects of Intravenous Apresoline (Hydralazine) on Cardiovascular and Renal Function in Patients with and without Congestive Heart Failure

Intravenous Apresoline is a powerful renal vasodilator in cardiac as well as in noncardiac patients. In hypertensive patients in congestive heart failure, the drug produces a striking improvement in both cardiovascular and renal function. The increases in renal plasma flow are inconsistently related to changes in arterial pressure and cardiac output Unlike many hypotensive drugs, Apresoline usually causes no decrease in the renal excretion of sodium and water. Circulatory collapse produced by the drug may occur in the presence of an increased cardiac output but is accompanied by a deterioration of the arterial pressure pulse and a reduction in sodium and water excretion.