Hydralazine: A Vasodilator for Hypertension Treatment

What is the correct statement regarding hydralazine?

A. Fast acetylators have shorter half-lives than slow acetylators

B. Acts via SNS mechanism

C. Slow acetylators decrease half-life

D. Has diuretic action

E. Clearance > 50ml/kg/min

Answer:

The correct statement regarding hydralazine is that fast acetylators have shorter half-lives than slow acetylators.

Hydralazine is a vasodilator used to treat hypertension. It works by dilating blood vessels and decreasing the pressure in the arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

Fast acetylators, individuals who metabolize hydralazine quickly, have shorter half-lives compared to slow acetylators. This means that the medication may be cleared from the body more rapidly in fast acetylators.

Hydralazine does not act through the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) mechanism as mentioned in option B. Instead, it directly relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to vasodilation.

While hydralazine does not primarily function as a diuretic, its vasodilatory effects can indirectly lead to a decrease in sodium reabsorption in the kidneys due to changes in blood flow and pressure.