Home Page > Categories > Heart & Cholesterol > Enalapril Maleate

Enalapril Maleate

 

Enalapril Maleate (generic Vasotec) Review

brand name: Vasotec
generic names: Enalapril, Enalapril maleate

What is enalapril?

Enalapril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Enalapril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Warning!

• If you need a test to assess the functioning of your parathyroid gland your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine beforehand, as it may interfere with the test results.
  
  
• Your blood pressure , kidney function and the amount of potassium in your blood should be regularly monitored while you are taking this medicine.
  
  
• ACE inhibitors can sometimes cause an allergic reaction called angioedema. This is more likely to occur in black patients. Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet or ankles while taking this medicine.
  
  
• Alcohol may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine, which can increase dizziness and may increase the risk of fainting.
  
  
• This medicine may make you feel dizzy as a result of the drop in your blood pressure. If you feel dizzy this can usually be relieved by lying down until the symptoms pass. If affected you should avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary. If you frequently feel dizzy you should let your doctor know, as your dose of this medicine may need reducing.
  
  
• Diuretics cause your kidneys to produce more urine, so you may prefer to take this medicine in the morning rather than before going to bed. This will avoid disturbing your sleep with the need to get up in the night to visit the toilet. Seek further advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  

Most important fact about Vasotec

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Vasotec regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Vasotec; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Vasotec does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should I take this medicine?

Take Enalapril (Vasotec) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking Enalapril (Maleate) except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Enalapril (Vasotec)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Enalapril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as ramipril (Altace), quinapril (Accupril), perindopril (Aceon), moexipril (Univasc), Zestril), lisinopril (Prinivil, fosinopril (Monopril), captopril (Capoten), benazopril (Lotensin), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Before using Enalapril (Vasotec), tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a connective tissue disease such as scleroderma, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• diabetes; or
• heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Enalapril (Vasotec), or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Enalapril (Vasotec) could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Enalapril (Maleate) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine passes into breast milk. The manufacturer states that it should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• This medicine must not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek further medical advice from your doctor. If you get pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.