Question 1

How do you remember Hydralazine?

Accepted Answer

Hydralazine breaks down as HYDRA = water + LAZINE = lazy. Break hydralazine into HYDRA (sounds like hydra for water) and LAZINE (lazy). The arteries go lazy, so they dilate and blood flows right through. HYDRA starts with A, pointing you to arteries, not veins.

Question 2

What class of drug is Hydralazine?

Accepted Answer

Hydralazine is a Direct Arteriolar Vasodilator • Antihypertensive • Preeclampsia.

Question 3

How is Hydralazine tested on the USMLE?

Accepted Answer

Hydralazine is an arteriolar vasodilator that relaxes arteriolar smooth muscle, dropping systemic vascular resistance and afterload. This is on contrast to nitrates, which dilate veins and cut preload.

Question 4

A 46-year-old woman on hydralazine for two years develops joint pain, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. Labs show a positive ANA and positive antihistone antibodies, with normal anti-dsDNA. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A - Antihistone antibodies with a negative anti-dsDNA point to drug-induced lupus rather than SLE, and hydralazine is one of the classic culprits alongside procainamide and isoniazid. Symptoms resolve when the drug is stopped. B would typically show anti-dsDNA or anti-Smith, C presents with symmetric small joint erosions and different serology, and D follows recent antigen exposure with rash and complement consumption.

Hydralazine

Get next week's drugin your inbox.

Get next week's drug
in your inbox.