Vasotec

Generic Name: Enalapril

US Brand Name: Vasotec

Other Brand/Trade Names: Enalapril is also sold under the trade name Renitec.

Uses

Enalapril is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. After a heart attack, Enalapril has been found to be effective in improving function of the damaged heart and in reducing symptoms and hospitalizations related to heart failure.

Active Ingredients: enalapril maleate

Inactive Ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, sodium hydrogen carbonate. The 2.5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets also contain iron oxides.

Dosage and Forms

Enalapril comes as a tablet to take by mouth and as intravenous injections. The usual oral dose for treating high blood pressure is 2.5-40 mg once daily. It may also be administered twice daily. The dose for treating heart failure is 2.5-20 mg given twice daily. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Enalapril with or without food. Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include s extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

Contraindications and Precautions

Do not use Enalapril if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Enalapril or similar medicines (eg, captopril, lisinopril);
• you are pregnant;
• you are taking dextran sulfate or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. Do not take Enalapril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Enalapril, call your doctor immediately. Enalapril may harm the fetus.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: feeling light-headed, fainting; urinating more or less than usual, or not at all; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats; chest pain; or swelling, rapid weight gain.

Interactions

Enalapril may increase potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in blood. Therefore, there is an increased risk of hyperkalemia when Enalapril is given with potassium supplements or drugs that increase potassium levels (e.g., spironolactone).