What is Vasotec?
Vasotec (enalapril) is used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other medicines in order to manage hypertension for both children and adults with a minimum age of 1 month.Vasotec is also a treatment to treat and prevent congestive heart failure in adults.
Vasotec belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE). Enalapril is a drug that works by reducing certain chemicals that cause the tightening of blood vessels. This means that blood flows more easily, and the heart is able to pump blood more efficiently.
Warnings
Do not take Vasotec when you are expecting. If you are pregnant, discontinue taking this medication and inform your doctor right away.Discuss with your physician any medications you take beyond those listed here. Certain drugs shouldn't be used in conjunction with Vasotec.
If you are diabetic, you should not take the medication enalapril that has the ingredient aliskiren (such as Tekturna as well as Tekamlo).It is not recommended to take Vasotec when you've ever suffered from angioedema. Don't use Vasotec within the first 36 hours of or after you take any medication that has salubrinal (such as Entresto).
The drug can influence your heart and electrolyte levels. Consult your physician if you are experiencing chest pain, heartbeats that pound or a fluttering chest, a sluggish heart rate or a weak pulse, burning sensations, muscle weakening, or the feeling of tightness or contraction in your muscles.
Before you take this drug
Vasotec is not a good choice for you if you are allergic to enalapril or the other ACE (angiotensin conversion enzyme) inhibitors, such as benazepril, fosinopril, and captopril. Also, there is trando moexipril, lisinopril, quinapril, perindopril, or ramipril.Do not take Vasotec within 36 hours prior to or after taking medication that includes sacubitril (such as Entresto).
Don't use Vasotec when you've had a history of angioedema (a severe allergic reaction).
To be sure Vasotec is safe for you, ask your doctor if you've ever experienced:
- The heart problems, like the recent heart attack;
- Lower blood pressure;
- Stomach pain;
- Low white blood cell count;
- If you're following a diet that has low salt levels,
- Diabetes;
- Kidney problems (or if you're taking dialysis)
- The liver condition.
It may be necessary to steer clear of taking Vasotec with aliskiren when you suffer from kidney problems.
Stop taking this medication and inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant. Enalapril can cause injuries or even death to an unborn child if you use the medication during the second or third trimester.
Similar or related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, and hydrochlorothiazide
How to take Vasotec?
Use Vasotec exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label and study all directions or guides to your medication. The doctor might alter your dosage.Vasotec tablets can be taken by mouth.You can take Vasotec tablets either with or without meals.
Contact your physician if you are suffering from persistent nausea or diarrhea or are sweating more than normal. It is easy to get dehydrated when you take Vasotec. This could result in high blood pressure levels, an electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.Your blood pressure is likely to be monitored regularly, and you could require regular blood tests.
Speak to your doctor if you are scheduled for a procedure.If you suffer from elevated blood pressure, continue taking Vasotec even if you feel good. A high blood pressure can have no signs.Keep Vasotec tablets tightly sealed at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 5 mg taken orally every day.
Maintenance dose 10–40 mg per day orally in a single dose or in two divided doses
Maximum dosage 40 mg taken orally each day in an individual dose or in two divided doses
Together, in combination with diuretics:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once every day.
If possible, diuretics are recommended to be stopped 2 or 3 days prior to the start of therapy using enalapril. If necessary, diuretic therapy can be slowly resumed.
Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once every day.
Dosage for maintenance: 2.5 to 20 mg daily, divided into 2 doses
Maximum dosage: 40 mg per day, divided into 2 doses
Comments:
Treatment is typically coupled with diuretics or digitalis.
Doses must be increased to the extent that they are comfortable over several days or weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Left Ventricular Dysfunction:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally twice each day.
Dosage for maintenance 20 mg taken orally per day in two doses divided
Comments:
Following the initial dose, patients should be monitored for at least 2 hours and continue to monitor blood pressure until it stabilizes for at least one hour.
If it is possible, the dosage of diuretics that are concomitantly used must be reduced to decrease the chance of hypotension.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Hypertension:
Children ranging from 1 month to 17 years old:
Initial dosage: 0.08 mg/kg/day (up to 5 mg) in 1 to 2 doses. Modify the dosage based on the patient's response.
Max doses: Doses that are greater than 0.58 mg/kg (40 mg) have not been studied in children.
Comment:
It is not recommended for neonates or those with glomerular filtration rates less than 30 ml/min. This is because there are no studies available.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Be careful not to get up too fast from lying or sitting in a position. You could be dizzy.Avoid using the potassium supplement or substitute for salt, except if your doctor has advised you to.
Be aware of the dangers of being dehydrated or hot during workouts in hot weather or by drinking insufficient fluids. Follow your doctor's advice on the types and amounts of fluids you need to consume. In some instances, drinking too much fluid could be as dangerous as drinking too little.
Side effects of Vasotec
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms, you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Vasotec. An allergic reaction to Vasotec that causes severe stomach pain, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Enalapril may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
- Hypertension of blood potassium: nausea and weak feeling, tingling sensation in the chest, irregular heartbeats, decreased movement;
- Lower white blood cell count Low white blood cell counts; fever; sores in the mouth; skin sores; sore throat; cough;
- Kidney issues swelling, urinating less frequently, feeling exhausted or tired,
- Liver issues: Loss of appetite nausea, abdominal pain (upper right side) Itching, fatigue, dark urine, sour-coloured stool, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common Vasotec adverse effects include:
- Cough, diarrhea;
- Chest pain, dizziness, tiredness;
- Headache, nausea,
- Lower blood pressure.
This list isn't comprehensive and other side effects could develop; for more information about medical adverse reactions please consult with a physician and report any symptoms to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Enalapril may cause kidney damage, particularly when you are also taking specific medications for infection, cancer, osteoporosis, and so on.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly:
- Diuretic, also known as a "water pill," that may increase blood potassium levels, such as Spironolactone, Triamterene, and Amiloride;
- The nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), as well as celecoxib, diclofenac (also known as indomethacin), diclofe, and other nsaids.
- Medicines to avoid organ transplant rejection, such as temsirolimus, sirolimus, or everolimus, as well as
- Blood pressure or heart medication.
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can be incompatible with enalapril, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are listed here.
