Hydralazine vs. Nitroglycerin for Hypertension and Angina: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Hydralazine

Nitroglycerin

(Nitrostat)

Summary for Hydralazine

Prescription only

Hydralazine is a medication that's used to lower blood pressure. It's less commonly used for blood pressure, but it can be helpful when other first-choice medications aren't working. The dosage varies quite a bit; not everyone will take the same dose, but this medication is typically taken a few times a day. Common side effects include headache, stomach upset, and a fast heart rate. Hydralazine is available as a lower-cost generic tablet (there's no brand-name version).

Indications for Hydralazine

High blood pressure

Pros and Cons for Hydralazine

Pros

Good option to lower blood pressure when other first-choice medications don't work
Can take with other blood pressure medications
Available as a lower-cost generic version

Cons

Need to take multiple times a day, which can be hard to remember
Might cause symptoms similar to lupus at higher doses
Shouldn't use if you have certain types of heart disease because there's a risk for heart attack

Common Side Effects for Hydralazine

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack or loss of appetite
Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
Chest pain

Warnings for Hydralazine

Drug-induced lupus-like symptoms
Blood problems
Numbness or tingling of feet and hands
Heart attack and effects on blood circulation

Summary for Nitroglycerin

Prescription only

Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is a fast-acting medication that’s used to prevent and treat angina (or chest pain). It helps with angina by allowing more blood to flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is a tablet that’s placed under your tongue or against the cheek inside your mouth. Side effects include low blood pressure and headache. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Nitroglycerin

Prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

Pros and Cons for Nitroglycerin

Pros

Works well to relieve heart-related chest pain
Works quickly (within 1 to 3 minutes)
Can be used to prevent chest pain due to activities like exercise
Available as a lower-cost generic form

Cons

Can cause bothersome headaches
Can cause low blood pressure
Can't take with alcohol
Same dose might not work as well over time (develop tolerance to the medication)

Common Side Effects for Nitroglycerin

Low blood pressure
Headache
Tingling or burning feeling in the mouth

Warnings for Nitroglycerin

Tolerance
Low blood pressure
Worse chest pain
Headache

Prices with our coupons for Hydralazine vs. Nitroglycerin

Hydralazine90 tablets / 25mg

$4.00$4.00

Get free coupons

More Information

Nitroglycerin25 sublingual tablets / 0.4mg

$9.00$9.00

Get free coupons

More Information

Compare other Hypertension and Angina drugs

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Hydralazine vs. Nitroglycerin

Hydralazine

Nitroglycerin

Summary for Hydralazine

Indications for Hydralazine

Pros and Cons for Hydralazine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydralazine

Warnings for Hydralazine

Summary for Nitroglycerin

Indications for Nitroglycerin

Pros and Cons for Nitroglycerin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nitroglycerin

Warnings for Nitroglycerin

Prices with our coupons for Hydralazine vs. Nitroglycerin

Compare other Hypertension and Angina drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Hydralazine

Nitroglycerin

Summary for Hydralazine

Indications for Hydralazine

Pros and Cons for Hydralazine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydralazine

Warnings for Hydralazine

Summary for Nitroglycerin

Indications for Nitroglycerin

Pros and Cons for Nitroglycerin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nitroglycerin

Warnings for Nitroglycerin