VASOTEC

Who is Vasotec for ?

Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Enalapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE-inhibitor. Enalapril lowers blood pressure by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This narrowing of blood vessels due to the angiotensin II hormone is an important component of high blood pressure. Blocking the production of angiotensin II hormone causes blood vessels to relax or dilate, thus reducing blood pressure.

When should I be careful taking Vasotec ?

Do not take enalapril if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking enalapril, call your doctor immediately.

Before taking enalapril,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to enalapril or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ("water pills"), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), other medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or diabetes.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking enalapril.

Side Effects

Although side effects from enalapril are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• cough
• upset stomach
• sore throat
• fever
• diarrhea
• loss of taste sensation
• unusual bruising

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes