Brand Name

Vasotec {Biovail/Valeant}

Generic Name

enalapril, pronounced e NAL a pril

 

What is Vasotec?

Known by the generic name Enalapril, Vasotec refers to a medication that is designed to treat those with hypertension. It can also be used in high blood pressure treatment. Belonging to the medication group known as ACE inhibitors, Vasotec can be used in a variety of different situations. Congestive heart failure is one example, but Vasotec can also be utilized as a means of lowering the risk of death, in the aftermath of a heart attack.

In addition to those possibilities, Vasotec can also help in treating disorders of the ventricles, or your heart’s lower chambers. Specifically, the disorder can decrease the ability of your heart to properly pump blood into the body.

There are a number of factors that should be kept in mind, when it comes to this drug. To be sure, Vasotec should not be used for any purposes that are not covered in this guide.

Vasotec may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

 

Key Facts About Vasotec

There are a number of important facts about Vasotec that should be kept in mind. These notes should be ready carefully before use:

Because Vasotec belongs in the FDA’s pregnancy category D, the medication should not be taken by anyone who is currently pregnant. Should you become pregnant while taking Vasotec, you should stop immediately, and talk to your healthcare provider. If taken during the 2nd/3rd trimesters, Vasotec can cause injury or death to an unborn child. It is also important to make sure you are taking birth control, if you are also taking a Vasotec prescription.

Alcohol should not be consumed by those taking Vasotec. This is due to the fact that alcohol can lower your blood pressure. Drinking alcohol while taking Vasotec can lead to an increase in side effect experiences.

Potassium supplements and salt substitutes are not advised for those taking Vasotec, unless your direct specifically directs you to do so.

Wait to see how your body responds to taking Vasotec. For example, take care when rising from a sitting/lying down position. Doing either too quickly can trigger a dizziness, leading to fall or worse.

Those who have issues with intense sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea should keep in mind the strong possibility of dehydration, while taking Vasotec. Diminished blood pressure, an electrolyte disorder, or even failure of the kidneys can occur through hydration this severe. Make sure to drink lots of water.

Vasotec should only be used as directed by your healthcare provider. Your blood pressure should be checked out on a consistent basis.

Continue to use Vasotec as your doctor has directed, and be sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

 

Before You Take Vasotec

Those with an allergy to Lisinopril should not take Vasotec. This same thought should be applied with allergies to any other ACE inhibitors. Lotensin, Capoten, Monopril, Univasc, and Accupril are all examples in this regard.

In addition to pregnancy, Vasotec should also not be taken by those who are currently breastfeeding. Those with diseases related to the kidneys, the liver, or the heart should discuss taking Vasotec with their doctor. This also applies to those who have experienced congestive heart failure.

Blood clots, strokes, mini-strokes, and diabetes are further conditions that should be discussed with your healthcare provider, with respect to treatment through Vasotec.

Finally, if you have a disease related to your connective tissues, make sure to discuss that with your doctor, before beginning to take Vasotec. Examples of such diseases include Marfan Syndrome, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Vasotec Drug Interactions

There are a wide number of drugs with the potential to have a negative interaction with Vasotec. You will want to discuss any of these drugs with your doctor, if you are taking them.

Diuretics/water pills, such as Midamore, Aldactone, and Dyazide, should be discussed with your doctor, if you are planning to begin treatment with Vasotec. The same can be said for gold injections for arthritis, drugs from the lithium family, and NSAIDs. With NSAIDS specifically, some of the examples you will want to keep in mind include drugs from the ibuprofen family, drugs from the naproxen family, and drugs from the diclofenac family. Potassium supplements, including K-Dur, should also be discussed with your healthcare provider.

This is not a complete list of drugs with potentially dangerous interactions to Vasotec. Any prescription medications, supplements (including herbal), and vitamins should be mentioned to your doctor, before you begin to take Vasotec. As is often the case with a drug like this, you should always discuss your current routines with a doctor prior to treatment.

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• diuretics or water pills like amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide)
• gold injections to treat arthritis
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin) and meloxicam (Mobic)
• potassium supplements like K-Dur or Klor-Con

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Vasotec. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Vasotec

As mentioned before, Vasotec should be taken in the precise manner directed to you by your healthcare provider. Vasotec should not be taken in smaller/larger increments.

Furthermore, it should not be taken for less time than prescribed, nor should it be taken for longer than prescribed. The directions should be followed to the letter.

The only circumstance in which that should change is if your doctor changes your prescription in some form or fashion.

Taken with or without foods, Vasotec may need to be used over a long-term basis. Regular conversations with your doctor are important, in terms of your experiences with Vasotec, and whether or not you are experiencing any side effects. Vasotec should be stored in room temperature, and it should not exposed to high heat or moisture.

If you are more than twelve hours away from your next dose, you should take a missed dose.

 

Vasotec Side Effects

There are a number of potential side effects to Vasotec that should be taken seriously. Allergic reactions can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/tongue/lips/throat. Chest pains can occur, and you will also want to look for bruises/bleeding that occurs easily. Paleness and faintness are additional potential side effects.

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Vasotec and seek emergency medical help immediately.

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• chest pain
• easy bruising or bleeding
• feeling faint and paleness
• fever with chills, body aches and flu symptoms
• heartbeats which are fast, pounding or uneven
• high potassium signs, with symptoms like a slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness or a tingly feeling
• jaundice or a yellowing of your eyes and skin
• swelling with rapid weight gain
• urinary abnormalities, such as urinating less often or not at all
• weakness with confusion, increased thirst, loss of appetite, vomiting, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest

Less serious side effects of Vasotec may include:

• appetite loss or loss of taste sensation
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• itching or rash that is mild
• nausea
• vomiting

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Vasotec. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Vasotec Description and Dosing

Vasotec tablets are offered in these dosages:

• 2.5mg: White, oval-shaped. Features VASO 2.5 imprint.
• 5mg: White, triangle-shaped. Features VASO 5 imprint.
• 10mg: Rust-colored, triangle-shaped. Features VASO 10 imprint.
• 20mg: Peach-colored, rounded-triangle-shaped. Features VASO 20 imprint.

If you have any concerns about whether or not you are taking Vasotec, consult your healthcare provider. You will also want to keep in mind that Vasotec is offered across a wide range of dosage possibilities. Your physician will prescribe the correct dosage amount, and this should be followed exactly as directed.

Do not alter or change your dose of Vasotec without your physician’s consent.

In the event of a possible overdose, emergency medical help should be sought at once.

 

Ingredients in Vasotec

Enalapril maleate is not only the main ingredient in Vasotec, but it is the active ingredient, as well. Lactose, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium stearate, and starch are among the inactive ingredients. Because of Vasotec’s main/active ingredient, as well as its inactive ingredients, it is important to discuss anything else you might be taking with a doctor.

You will also want to keep in mind that the 10mg tablets and 20mg tablets contain iron oxides.

Important Info:

All of the information contained in this guide should be used for educational aims only. Furthermore, this is not a comprehensive/exhaustive guide to Vasotec. Further information can be found through the manufacturer website, among other sources.

This guide is not designed to be used as medical advice. It is not intended in any way, shape, or form to take the place of medical professional services, including examinations and diagnoses.

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