Generic Vasotec (Enalapril)

Common use

Vasotec belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It inhibits formation of renin into angiotensin, the last is a biologically active substance with vasoconstrictor and hypertensive effects. Vasotec is administered for treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes-related kidney problems, and to improve survival after a heart attack.



Dosage and direction

Take exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor. Dosage depends on severeness of your arterial hypertension. Besides, Vasotec maybe administered in patients with hypertension crisis, in this case a tablet of Vasotec is taken under a tongue and sucked.



Precautions

If you are allergic to any medications, have liver or kidney disorders hyperpotassemia, dehydrated, suffer because of a stroke, pathology of blood vessels, diabetes inform your doctor first than to talk this medication. Do not take alcohol which may aggravate dizziness, and also be careful if you are driving and avoid physical activity.



Contraindications

Vasotec cannot be administered in case of hypersensitivity to inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, pregnancy, infancy.



Possible side effect

Vasotec is generally well tolerated and its side effects are minor and transient. The most common of them is dry cough which disappears when intake of Vasotec is discontinued. Other side effects may include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, chest pain, numbness of fingertips and toes, skin eruption, pain in a throat, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats.



Drug interaction

This medication enhances effect of ethanol, slows excretion of Li+. Hypotensive effect of Vasotec is diminished by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogens, and increased by diuretics, ethanol, drugs for general anesthesia and other hypotensive medications. Potassium sparing diuretics and medications which contain K+ increase risk of hyperpotassemia. Other medications which may influence Vasotec are ones suppressing bone marrow, immunodepressants.



Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.



Overdose

Symptoms of a overdose are extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting. If you experience this call your doctor immediately.



Storage

Tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature below 30 C (86 F) away from light and moisture.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.