Hydralazine National Shortage - MethodistMD

1 Reference: ASHP Drug Shortages: Current Shortages- Hydralazine . Accessed May 25, 2011. Hydralazine National Shortage What? Due to the National critical Shortage with injectable Hydralazine , the medication is being removed from all automated dispensing cabinets with the exception of OB and ED cabinets. In addition, the pharmacy department is working with anesthesia to remove the medication from anesthesia trays. Please use alternatives where ever clinically possible. Alternatives on the MLH adult formulary for hypertension may include the following: 1. Enalapril mg IV every 6h prn 2. Clonidine mg po/per tube every 8h prn 3. Nitropaste 1 inch topically every 6h prn (use only as a last resort) Continuous antihypertensive infusions may also be appropriate in a patient with hypertension that is difficult to control with intermittent prn doses.

2 When? Effective immediately Why? Injectable Hydralazine is on National Shortage due to multiple reasons by the three different manufacturers of the product: American Regent, APP, and Akorn. American Regent has temporarily suspended distribution of all drug products. APP has Hydralazine injection on Shortage due to increased demand for the product, and Akorn has Hydralazine injection on allocation to prevent hoarding. The estimated resolution date for the Shortage is unknown. MLH system stock of Hydralazine is critically low, and thus it is asked that prescribers utilize alternative therapy wherever clinically possible.