Enalapril
Enalapril, Vasotec
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Do not take enalapril if you are pregnant. If
you become pregnant while taking enalapril, call your doctor immediately.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Enalapril is used to treat high blood
pressure and heart failure. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the
blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood
more efficiently.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Enalapril comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take enalapril exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor.
Enalapril controls high blood pressure and
heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take enalapril even if you
feel well. Do not stop taking enalapril without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking enalapril,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to enalapril,
benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril),
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon),
quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other
drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin or other non-steroidal
antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve,
Naprosyn), diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), other
medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease,
diabetes, or angioedema, a condition that causes hives, difficulty
breathing, and painful swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands, or
feet.
• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Enalapril may pass into breast
milk and harm infants. Talk to your doctor about stopping to breast-feed if
you take enalapril.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are taking enalapril.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Enalapril may cause an upset stomach. Take enalapril with food or milk.
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If
your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these
directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Although side effects from enalapril are not
common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe
or do not go away:
• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• cough
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• loss of taste sensation
• unusual bruising
If you experience any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue,
arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local
emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
• lightheadedness
• fainting
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and
the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine
your response to enalapril. Your doctor may also order certain lab tests to
check your response to enalapril.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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