Drug Title

Vasotec (Enalapril)

Drug Uses

Vasotec is used for treating heart problems like heart failure and high blood pressure. Vasotec can be used alone or with other medicines. Vasotec can also be used for other medical ailments, depending on the doctor’s orders.

Mode of Application

You should take Vasotec as directed by the doctor. Also, you should take Vasotec after a full meal, so that you can avoid an upset stomach.

Missed Dose

In case of a missed dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, as long as you are not too close to the other dose in your dosing pattern. Make sure that a missed dose does not interfere with your regular, daily dosing pattern. Do not take a double dose or overdose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

In case of an overdose, make sure that you seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms that are associated with Vasotec are light headedness, dizziness and weakness when standing.

Storage

Tablets are to be stored at room temperature below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. Do not store the drug in the bathroom. Refrigerate the liquid suspension to 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit (2-8 degrees C). Keep medicines away from children and pets.

Precautions

You should inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions that are allergies to medicines. If you are allergic to any ingredient in Vasotec, or if you have any liver or kidney problems, you should inform the doctor. You should also inform the doctor if you have had a kidney transplant, or if you are receiving dialysis.

You should also inform the doctor if you have low blood counts, a low amount of sodium in your blood. You should also inform the doctor if you have high blood potassium, porphyria, bone marrow suppression, giant hives, lupus erthematosus or SLE, collagen vascular disease, scleroderma, hardening or narrowing of the arteries of the heart or the brain, chest pain, or even a discomfort in the angia, you should inform the doctor.

You should inform your doctor if you plan to be pregnant, are pregnant or are lactating. Vasotec is known to be transfused through breast milk, therefore, you need to be careful about taking the medicine while you are pregnant. You should also check for any other problems that you might have with the fetus or any injury that can be caused to the fetus if you are taking Vasotec.

You should also inform the doctor of any other medicine or herbal solution that you are having. Vasotec can interact with other medicines. Therefore, inform the doctor of any prescribed or non prescribed medicine that you are taking at the moment. If you are taking any kinds of potassium sparing diuretics or dextran sulfate, do not take Vasotec. Also, you should refrain from Vasotec if you are using any salt substitute that has potassium in it. Vasotec may not work well for patients of some ethnicities.

You should also not take Vasotec if you have been receiving any medical or dental care, emergency care or surgery. You can continue taking lab tests, kidney function tests, liver function tests and complete blood counts while you are under the medicine.

Side effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, headache, nausea, persistent, dry cough, tiredness, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, hoarseness, infection (fever, sore throat), irregular or slow heartbeat, unusual stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Some of the possible side effects are diarrhea, lightheadedness when standing, nausea, headache, dry cough, vomiting, tiredness, etc. Contact your doctor immediately if these side effects occur. Also, another aspect that you should keep in mind are the allergic reactions like rash, hives, difficulty in breathing, unusual stomach pain, irregular or slow heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or the eyes, etc.

Additional information

Do not use the medication with other drugs. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to the doctor about a lifestyle which would be beneficial for your health. Laboratory and / or medical tests (e.g. kidney function and potassium blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking the medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home.