Vasotec 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.
Enalapril maleate is sometimes prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Vasotec be used?
Vasotec 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 Vasotec exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Vasotec controls
high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue
to take Enalapril maleate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
Enalapril maleate without talking to your doctor. Vasotec : Full
Prescribing Information
Before
taking Vasotec, - tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Vasotec, 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. Vasotec may pass into
breast milk and harm infants. Talk to your doctor about stopping to
breast-feed if you take Vasotec.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Vasotec. 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 Vasotec cause?
Although side effects from Vasotec 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 Vasotec?
Keep Enalapril maleate 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.
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 maleate. Your doctor may also order certain
lab tests to check your response to Enalapril maleate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.