Vasotec

Common Name: enalapril maleate

How does Vasotec work?

Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is used to lower high blood pressure and to treat congestive heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and by making the heart pump more efficiently. The injectable form of this drug is used to lower high blood pressure when the oral form cannot be used. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Vasotec?

The recommended dose ranges from 2.5 mg once daily to 20 mg twice daily depending on the needs and circumstances of the person using the drug. The dose may need to be adjusted according to how well the kidneys are functioning. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Vasotec come in?

Vasotec® is available in a tablet form (strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) as well as an injectable (I.V. or intravenous) form. Tablets: 2.5 mg: Each yellow, barrel-shaped, scored tablet, engraved "14" on one side and "VASOTEC" on the other, contains enalapril maleate 2.5 mg. 5 mg: Each white, barrel-shaped, scored tablet, engraved "712" on one side and "VASOTEC" on the other, contains enalapril maleate 5 mg. 10 mg: Each rust-red coloured, barrel-shaped tablet, engraved "713" on one side and "VASOTEC" on the other, contains enalapril maleate 10 mg. 20 mg: Each peach-coloured, barrel-shaped tablet, engraved "714" on one side and "VASOTEC" on the other, contains enalapril maleate 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: For 5 mg tablets: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch and sodium bicarbonate. For 2.5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, red and/or yellow iron oxides, and sodium bicarbonate. The tablets do not contain gluten or tartrazine. I.V.: Each mL of clear, colorless solution contains enalaprilat 1.25 mg, sodium chloride 6.2 mg, sodium hydroxide, water for injection, and benzyl alcohol 9 mg as preservative.

What should I NOT take with Vasotec?

This drug should not be used by people who: are allergic to any of the ingredients or to any of the drugs belonging to the family of medications known as ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril, ramipril, captopril) have had episodes of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, mouth and throat) which has been associated with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema are pregnant

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Vasotec?

Kidneys: Changes in kidney function have been seen in certain people taking this drug. Liver function: Changes in liver function have occurred in people with or without pre-existing liver problems during treatment with this medication. In most cases the changes were reversed when the drug was stopped. Angioedema: Angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) may occur with ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, although uncommonly. If you experience swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, you should stop taking this drug at once and get immediate medical attention. People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril. Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking this drug. This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. It is more likely to occur in those who: take water pills have a salt-restricted diet are on dialysis are sweating excessively and not drinking enough fluids are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel light-headed, contact a doctor. Pregnancy: ACE inhibitors should not be taken by pregnant women. If you discover you are pregnant, you should stop taking enalapril at once. Breast-feeding: Enalapril is excreted in breast milk in trace amounts. Nursing mothers should stop breast-feeding while taking this medication. Children: The safety and effectiveness of the use of this product for children has not been established. Its use by them is not recommended.