Bidil (Isosorbide Dinitrade/Hydralazine HCL)

What is Bidil?

Bidil, composed of two substances, hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate, is a drug used for the treatment of heart failures by dilating the veins, by ensuring more blood is pumped to the heart.

What is Bidil used for?

Bidil, is used to treat heart diseases. It dilates the blood vessels, hence making it easier for the heart to pump out blood. It also enables more oxygenated blood to flow to the heart.

How does Bidil work?

Bidil is composed of two substances namely, hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate.

Hydralazine acts as a vasodilator. It helps in relaxing the veins ansd arteries, thereby making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

Isosorbide dinitrate, on the the other hand, helps in dilating the blood vessels. This in turn helps the heart to pump. It also enables in more oxygenated blood to flow to the heart.

How to use Bidil

Bidil should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking a higher dose than prescribed may prove to be harmful. The dosage of Bidil depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Bidil is taken by mouth usually 3 times a day. However the dosage may vary depending on your doctor. It depends on your response to the drug and your doctor may initially prescribe you to a lower dosage and then increase it gradually.

Stopping the dosage suddenly without consulting your doctor may lead to worsening of certain conditions. Hence, it is not advisable to stop the course, without consulting your doctor.

Bidil warnings and precautions

Bidil is not administered to patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. Hence, you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredient substances.

You should also discuss your medical history in detail with your doctor especially if you have a recent history of heart ailments, dehydration, anemia, kidney problems and other blood vessel related problems.

The consumption of Bidil may make you feel dizzy. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any exhaustive or alert activities while you are taking this drug. This dizziness also increases the risk of your falling down.

Lactating and pregnant women should also consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Bidil dose?

If you have missed a Bidil dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

What do I do if I have taken a Bidil overdose?

In case of an overdose of Bidil, medical attention is required immediately.

Bidil interactions

Bidil should not be taken when you are taking any of the following medicines: tadafil, sildenafil or vardenafil. The interaction may cause severe low blood pressure, which can be life threatening.

You should also discuss with your doctor if you are taking dihydroergotomine or any other heart medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats or high blood pressure and other MAO inhibitors. In such a case your dosage may have to be changed.

Other drugs may also interact with Bidil. So, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking Bidil.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Bidil side effects

Side effects from Bidil include an allergic reaction, irregular heartbeats, bloody urine and stools, fainting, numbness and weakening of your arms and legs or blurred vision and drying up of your mouth. In such scenarios, you should stop taking the drug immediately and seek medical attention.

A fast heartbeat, headache, dizziness, swollen ankles, vomiting and weakness constitute some of the less serious side effects of Bidil.