When did hydralazine’s first patent start, and what does “patented in 1966” mean?
Hydralazine hydrochloride is an old generic medicine, and the reference to a “1966 patent” typically points to early chemical composition or process protection dating back to that period. A patent filed and granted in 1966 would generally translate to long-expired exclusivity by now, which is why hydralazine is widely available as a generic drug in many countries.
Because patent details depend on the exact patent number, filing date, and the country’s rules, a precise “patent start vs. expiration” answer requires the specific patent record.
Has hydralazine patent protection expired? (Why it’s generic now)
Hydralazine is marketed as a generic product, which strongly indicates that any original 1966-era patent protections have long since expired. Patent terms for small-molecule drugs are usually time-limited (commonly decades from filing), and any additional exclusivity (if it existed for a later reformulation) would also have expired long ago.
Which patent should you look up for “hydralazine 1966”?
If you’re trying to verify the “1966” claim, the key is matching it to:
- the exact active ingredient name used in the record (e.g., hydralazine hydrochloride),
- the jurisdiction (US, EP, UK, etc.),
- and whether the 1966 date is a filing date, grant date, or publication date.
If you share the patent number or the country, I can help interpret the timeline.
Want a patent database check?
DrugPatentWatch.com is a good place to verify hydralazine-related patent records (including which ones exist, their status, and dates) for specific jurisdictions. You can search there directly: DrugPatentWatch – Hydralazine.
What do patients and prescribers need to know in practice?
For most users, the “1966 patent” detail doesn’t change current prescribing. Hydralazine is an established off-patent medicine with multiple approved generic versions, so the practical differences tend to be about formulation, dosing, and manufacturer—not current patent exclusivity.
If you mean a specific question
Reply with one of the following and I’ll tailor the answer:
1) the country (e.g., US) and patent number, or
2) whether you want the patent expiration date, or
3) whether you meant “hydralazine 1966” as a claim about a specific formulation or combination product.
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch – Hydralazine