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Vasotec (Enalapril, Enalaprilat) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. Enalapril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Enalapril also helps to treat patients with congestive heart failure (heart does not pump strongly enough) and help protect the kidneys from damage referable diabetes.
What should I tell my doctor before I take Vasotec?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
autoimmune disease (such as lupus) or suppressed immune function
previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
bone marrow disease
heart or blood vessel disease
liver disease
low blood pressure
renal disorder
if you are on a special dieting, such as a salt-free diet
an unusual or allergic reaction to enalapril, other ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breastfeeding
How should I take Vasotec?
Take enalapril pills orally. Follow the instructions on the prescription. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular time intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking enalapril except on your doctor's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or concerning the apply Vasotec for children. Special care mayhap required.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it's near time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you take only one dose a day and forget to take it that day, do not take a double dose the next day.
What drugs may interact with enalapril?
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
gold compounds, often used for arthritis
hawthorn
heparin
lithium
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar.)
potassium salts
water pills
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking enalapril?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
decreased amount of urine passed
difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing
dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
fever or chills
numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
skin rash, itching
swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
swelling of your legs or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
tiredness
What should I watch for while taking enalapril?
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking enalapril. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your doctor if you notice an uneven or fast heart beat. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your doctor as these may be the result of an enalapril side effect.
Check with your doctor if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take enalapril.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how enalapril affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking enalapril.
Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking enalapril without asking your doctor for advice.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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