Before taking Vasotec (enalapril), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, captopril); or if you have any other allergies (including an allergic reaction after exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering).
Vasotec (enalapril) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema).
Before using Vasotec (enalapril), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), low blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular insufficiency), blood vessel disease (e.g., collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, scleroderma).
If you have diabetes, Vasotec (enalapril) may rarely cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) when you first start treatment with Vasotec (enalapril). Carefully monitor your blood sugar level during the first month of Vasotec (enalapril) therapy. Treat symptoms of low blood sugar quickly and report any hypoglycemia event to your doctor immediately.
Vasotec (enalapril) may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and light-headedness due to lowering of your blood pressure, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Serious loss of body fluids can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness. Drink adequate fluids to prevent from becoming dehydrated. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise which can lead to excessive sweating. Consult your doctor if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Vasotec (enalapril).
Caution is advised when using Vasotec (enalapril) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive its effects, especially dizziness.
Vasotec (enalapril) is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)
Vasotec (enalapril) passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store tablets at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Refrigerate the liquid suspension between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Discard any unused suspension after 30 days. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Vasotec (enalapril) by mouth, usually once or twice a day; or as directed by your doctor. You may take Vasotec (enalapril) with or without food. Use Vasotec (enalapril) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Vasotec (enalapril) at the same time(s) each day.
If you are taking Vasotec (enalapril) in the liquid suspension form, shake the bottle well before each use. Measure the dose out carefully.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or a very slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if either of these effects occur.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. The usual maximum dose for adults is 40 milligrams per day.
It is important to continue taking Vasotec (enalapril) even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before the full benefit of Vasotec (enalapril) occurs or several weeks to months when used for congestive heart failure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also the How to Use section.
You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, dry cough, or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Vasotec (enalapril) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Vasotec (enalapril) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
Vasotec (enalapril) may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea.
A serious allergic reaction to Vasotec (enalapril) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Vasotec side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Vasotec (enalapril), use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also How to Use section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Vasotec (enalapril), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., azathioprine), lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin), potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride, salt substitutes containing potassium), trimethoprim-containing medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), gold injection.
Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
A very serious reaction may occur if you are getting injections for bee/wasp sting allergy (desensitization) and are also taking Vasotec (enalapril). Make sure all your doctors know which medicines you are using.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.