enalapril – oral, Vasotec

WARNING: This drug can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

USES: Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It is also used to help protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you are using the suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is based on weight. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It is important to continue taking this medication 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 you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), change in the amount of urine. This drug may rarely cause serious liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/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.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors, or if you have any other allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water and increase your risk of lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. A very serious reaction may occur if you are getting injections for bee/wasp sting allergy and are also taking enalapril.

QUESTION

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.

STORAGE: Store tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Discard any unused suspension after 30 days. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. 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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.