Vasotec (Cont.)

What Are the Effects of Vasotec?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Vasotec, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure both decreased significantly. Certain factors, such as ethnicity and dose affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
For people with congestive heart failure (CHF), the effects of Vasotec on the heart and blood vessels can cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. The medication can also improve exercise tolerance.
 
For people with left ventricular dysfunction but no CHF symptoms, enalapril can decrease the chances for developing heart failure symptoms along with a decrease in hospitalizations.
 

When and How Do I Take Vasotec?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Vasotec include the following:
 
  • Vasotec comes in tablet form. Generally you take it once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
     
  • You may take Vasotec with or without food.
     
  • Take Vasotec at the same time each day. This will maintain an even level of Vasotec in your blood.
     
  • In order for Vasotec to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Vasotec will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Vasotec Dosing

The dose of Vasotec recommended by your healthcare provider will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
 
(Click Vasotec Dosage for more information about dosing for Vasotec.)
 
(Vasotec Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;