Retrospective review of the use of as-needed hydralazine and labetalol for the treatment of acute hypertension in hospitalized medicine patients

Abstract

As-needed oral hydralazine is frequently prescribed for acute blood pressure lowering with administration thresholds often less than what are used to define acute severe hypertension. Many patients are prescribed PRN antihypertensive medication instead of being continued on their home regimens, and most patients do not have the intensity of their home regimens increased. Providers need to be educated about the use of PRN antihypertensive medication for the management of severe asymptomatic hypertension in the hospital setting.