Enalapril, Enalaprilat tablets
What do enalapril tablets do?
ENALAPRIL (Vasotec(R)) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. Enalapril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels; it is not a cure. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Enalapril also helps to treat patients with congestive heart failure (heart does not pump strongly enough). Generic enalapril tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take enalapril?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or suppressed immune function
• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
• bone marrow disease
• heart or blood vessel disease
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• kidney disease
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to enalapril, other ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take enalapril 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 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 if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you take only one dose a day and forget to take it that day, do not take a double dose the next day.
What other medicines can interact with enalapril?
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• hawthorn
• heparin
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• potassium salts
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking enalapril?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing
• dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
• skin rash, itching
• swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
• swelling of your legs or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• tiredness