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Common name
Vasotec (Enalapril)
Description
Active Ingredients:
Enalapril
Therapeutic actions:
Enalapril works by blocking the ACE, which is a part of the reaction in the body which causes vessels to constrict. By blocking ACE enzyme, Enalapril causes the vessels to relax, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
What is it used for? :
• to treat congestive heart failure
• to control high blood pressure
• to treat left ventricular dysfunction.
Contraindications and cautions:
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking enalapril if you have:
• Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE)
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Scleroderma
• A personal or family history of angioedema
• Any allergies, including allergies to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Are on dialysis
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
• Are breastfeeding Be sure to read the following information:
• ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, are more likely than other drugs to cause allergic reactions. For example, there were reports of severe allergic reactions in people on enalapril during dialysis. Therefore seek emergency medical attention if you notice: hives, an unexplained rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat.
• ACE inhibitors may cause angioedema of the head and neck, including the tongue, lips, eyes, or throat.
• In addition ACE inhibitors have been known to cause intestinal angioedema. Symptoms may include stomach pain with or without vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur.
• Enalapril may cause extreme hypotension in some people. It is more likely to occur if a person is taking diuretics, has diarrhea, vomiting, or increased sweating. It is why drinking fluids regularly are important while taking enalapril.
• People taking enalapril may be at increased risk of infection.
• Enalapril is in pregnancy category C on the first trimester and Pregnancy category D on the third trimester. Do not take enalapril or consult with your health care provider on the topic of taking enalapril if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, may cause a decrease in kidney function, especially in certain groups of people with congestive heart failure.
• If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, your condition should be monitored b your health provider when taking this medicine.
• If you are nursing be sure to mention it to your health care provider because it is not known if Enalapril passes or not in to the breast milk.
Side effects:
There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Enalapril will experience it or any other.
Enalapril may cause side effects:
• cough
• weakness
• rash
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• hoarseness
• fainting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drugis manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with enalapril, please read the information provided with Enalapril or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions:
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Enalapril. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), indomethacin (Indocin®), naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®, Naprelan®), etodolac (Lodine®),naproxen (Naprosyn®), nabumetone (Relafen®), oxaprozin (Daypro®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), meloxicam (Mobic®), ketoprofen, ketorolac (Toradol®),diclofenac (Cataflam®, Voltaren®), and others
• Potassium-sparing Diuretic medicine, such as triamterene (Dyrenium®), spironolactone (Aldactone®), or amiloride (Midamor®)
• Lithium (Eskalith®, Lithotabs®, Lithane®, Lithonate®).
• Diuretics, such as torsemide (Demadex®), hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide (Lasix®), and others
• Potassium supplements
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