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Compare Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydralazine (generic only) and Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) are both medications used to manage heart-related conditions, but they work differently and are used for different purposes. Hydralazine is a vasodilator that helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It's typically taken multiple times a day and is often used when other blood pressure medications aren't effective. Common side effects include headache, stomach upset, and a fast heart rate. On the other hand, Nitroglycerin is a nitrate used to prevent and treat angina (chest pain) by increasing blood flow to the heart. It works quickly, within 1 to 3 minutes, and is taken as a tablet placed under the tongue or against the cheek. Nitroglycerin can cause low blood pressure and headaches, and you should avoid alcohol while taking it. Unlike Hydralazine, Nitroglycerin is available in both brand-name and generic forms.

  • Hydralazine
    Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
  • Hydralazine
    Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

  • Summary of Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

    Summary for Vasodilator
    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).

    Summary for Nitrate
    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 of Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of angina (chest pain due to tight blood vessels in the heart)

  • Pros and Cons of Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

    Pros and Const for Vasodilator
    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
    Pros and Const for Nitrate
    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 of Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Lack or loss of appetite
    •Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
    •Chest pain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Headache
    •Tingling or burning feeling in the mouth

  • Warnings of Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drug-induced lupus-like symptoms
    •Blood problems
    •Numbness or tingling of feet and hands
    •Heart attack and effects on blood circulation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tolerance
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worse chest pain
    •Headache

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydralazine vs. Nitrostat

    Learn more about Hydralazine
    Learn more about Nitroglycerin

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