Vasotec

Vasotec (Enalapril)

General information

Vasotec is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. It is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. This medication works by relaxing blood vessels and by making the heart pump more efficiently.

Directions

Take Vasotec exactly as it was prescribed for you. Take each dose with a full glass of water with or without food. The recommended dose ranges from 2.5 mg once daily to 20 mg twice daily. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Precautions

Before taking Vasotec tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, Marfan syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis. Vasotec can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol.

Contraindications

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Vasotec or to any other ACE inhibitor, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have fainting, pale skin, hives, swelling, angioedema, urinating more or less than usual, difficulty breathing, uneven heartbeats, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin, chest pain, flu symptoms, bleeding. Less serious side effects may include: loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, insomnia, headache, cough, nausea, dry mouth.

Drug interactions

Before taking Vasotec, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: diuretics (furosemide), lithium, antidiabetes medications (metformin, insulin), potassium supplements (K-Dur, Klor-Con), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketoprofen, ibuprofen, diclofenac), beta-blockers. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are light-headed or fainting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.