Vasotec

Generic name: Enalapril maleate

What is Vasotec?

Vasotec is a high blood pressure medication known as an ACE inhibitor. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. It is effective when used alone or in combination with other medications, especially thiazide-type diuretics. It is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, usually in combination with diuretics and digitalis, and is prescribed as a preventive measure in certain conditions that could lead to heart failure.

What is the most important information I should know about Vasotec?

Vasotec may cause injury or death to an unborn baby if taken after the third month of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Vasotec regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Vasotec; you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Vasotec does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

If you experience symptoms suggesting angioedema (swelling of the face, extremities, eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty in swallowing or breathing), consult with your prescribing physician before taking any more of the medication.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Vasotec; this medication may cause dizziness or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Vasotec may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Vasotec. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Avoid standing or sitting up too quickly when taking this medication, especially in the morning; light-headedness or dizziness may occur. Sit down at the first sign of these symptoms.

If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.

Patients who take medications for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Vasotec may not work as well in black patients, who may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Vasotec before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Who should not take Vasotec?

You should not take Vasotec if you have had a previous allergic reaction or are sensitive to Vasotec or any other ACE inhibitor.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Vasotec?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Vasotec. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney disease, have bone marrow suppression, the blood disease porphyria, lupus, scleroderma, collagen vascular disease, narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the brain or heart, chest pain, or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to an ACE inhibitor such as Vasotec. In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Hypertension

Adults: The usual dosage is 5 milligrams (mg) taken once a day. Your individual dose may be increased to 10-40 mg taken as one daily dose or in divided doses.

In patients who are currently being treated with a diuretic, a potentially dangerous decrease in blood pressure may occur following the initial dose of Vasotec. The diuretic should, if possible, be discontinued for two to three days before beginning therapy with Vasotec, to reduce the likelihood of hypotension (a blood pressure lower than the norm). If your blood pressure is not controlled with Vasotec alone, diuretic therapy may be resumed.

If the diuretic cannot be discontinued, an initial Vasotec dose of 2.5 mg should be used under medical supervision for at least two hours and until blood pressure has stabilized for at least an additional hour.

Heart Failure

Adults: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose up to 20 mg taken twice a day depending on your individual response. Doses should be increased over a period of a few days or weeks based on how you respond to the medication and any possible side effects that may occur.

Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Adults: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose up to 20 mg a day (taken in divided doses) depending on your individual response.

Children: The usual starting dose is 0.08 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight (up to 5 mg) taken once daily. Daily doses in excess of 40 mg have not been studied in pediatric patients.

How should I take Vasotec?

Vasotec can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time every day. If stomach upset occurs, take Vasotec with food.

Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or suddenly stop taking this medication for any reason without first contacting your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Vasotec?

Do not operate automobiles or heavy machinery until you know how Vasotec will affect you. Avoid being exposed to excessive heat; excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could prompt you to lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to drop dangerously. You should not take salt substitutes or supplements containing potassium unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Vasotec. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Avoid standing or sitting up too quickly when taking this medication, especially in the morning; light-headedness or dizziness may occur.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Vasotec?

If Vasotec is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vasotec with the following: dextran; diuretics, such as furosemide; lithium; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); oral diabetes medicine, such as glyburide; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, and triamterene; potassium supplements; salt substitutes containing potassium; and thiazide-type diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide.

What are the possible side effects of Vasotec?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: cough, dizziness, dizziness upon standing, fatigue, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, rash, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea

If you experience symptoms suggesting angioedema (swelling of the face, extremities, eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty in swallowing or breathing), consult with your prescribing physician before taking any more of the medication.

Can I receive Vasotec if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Vasotec should not be taken during pregnancy. Taking Vasotec during the second or third trimesters of your pregnancy could cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Vasotec is found in breast milk, and should not be taken if you are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vasotec?

If you miss a dose of Vasotec, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Vasotec?

Store at room temperature below 86 degrees (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Vasotec out of the reach of children.