Hydralazine hydrochloride (20 mg ampoule): Supply issue

Last Updated: 4 May 2026

Supply issue Section 29A Active

Due to delays at the factory, there is a supply issue affecting hydralazine hydrochloride 20 mg ampoule (Pharmacodes: 274550 and 2446227).

Affected product

The supplier expects to run out of the Apresoline brand during May 2026.

Chemical: Hydralazine hydrochloride
Presentation: Inj 20 mg ampoule
Brand: Apresoline
Pharmacode: 274550 and 2446227
Price: $25.90
Measure / Qty: per 5

HML Schedule listings for hydralazine hydrochloride(external link)

Alternative products

To ensure continuity of supply, Pharmac has sourced two alternatives that are listed from 1 May. These are not Medsafe approved and need to be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981.

Eugia brand

The Eugia product, supplied by Orspec, is a vial not an ampoule. This is a sterile, nonpyrogenic clear, colourless solution and does not require reconstitution. It is available from the supplier immediately.

Hydrapres brand

The Hydrapres product requires reconstitution, and the instructions differ from the Medsafe approved Apresoline product. This product will be available from mid-June 2026.

Hydrapres: dilute with 1.1 mL, then extract 1.0 mL
Apresoline (Medsafe approved): dilute with 1.0 mL, extract 1.0 mL

Key information/differences on alternatives

Details	Apresoline 20mg ampoule	Hydrapres 20mg ampoule	Eugia 20 mg per ml, 1 ml vial
Pharmacode	274550 and 2446227	2728176	2729563
Listing Date	Currently listed	Listed 1 May 2026	Listed 1 May 2026
Availability	Expected to run out May 2026	Expected mid‑June	Expected early May
Presentation	Ampoule	Ampoule	Vial
Medsafe Approved	Yes	No – Section 29	No – Section 29
Reconstitution	Required (1.0 mL → extract 1.0 mL)	Required (1.1 mL → extract 1.0 mL)	None required
Labelling / language	English	Spanish product, over‑labelled in English	English
Storage	Store below 25ºC. Use reconstituted solution within 24 hours.	Store below 30ºC. Keep in the original packaging.	Store below 25ºC
Inactive ingredients (Excipients)	None	Mannitol (E-421) Hydrochloric acid to adjust pH to 3.5-4.2	Methylparaben NF, 0.65 mg Propylparaben NF, 0.35 mg Propylene glycol USP, 103.6 mg Sodium hydroxide Hydrochloric acid USP to adjust pH (3.4 to 4.4) Water for injection.

Unapproved Medicine flier A5 [PDF 131 KB]

Expected resupply

We are working with the supplier to understand when Apresoline brand will be available again.

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.