Hydralazine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. this includes high blood pressure in pregnancy and very high blood pressure resulting in symptoms. it has been found to be particularly useful in heart failure together with isosorbide dinitrate in people of african descent. it is given by mouth or by injection into a vein. effects usually begin around 15 minutes and last up to six hours.common side effects include headache and fast heart rate. it is not recommended in people with coronary artery disease or in those with rheumatic heart disease that affects the mitral valve. in those with kidney disease a low dose is recommended. hydralazine is in the vasodilator family of medications and is believed to work by causing the dilation of blood vessels.