Vasotec

Vasotec (enalapril) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. One of a group of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, Vasotec works by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure. Possible side effects of Vasotec may include fatigue, cough, headache, dizziness, and nausea.

 

What Is Vasotec?

Vasotec® (enalapril) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
 
Vasotec was originally developed by Merck & Co. It is currently manufactured by Biovail Pharmaceutical. It has since come off patent, making it available as a generic. Several companies sell generic Vasotec under the name Enalapril Maleate tablets.
 

What Is Vasotec Used For?

Vasotec is licensed to treat a number of conditions. In the case of adults, these Vasotec indications include:
 
Vasotec is not a cure for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.
 
Vasotec is also used to treat high blood pressure in children one month of age and older.
 

How Does Vasotec Work?

Vasotec is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Vasotec helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Vasotec causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
By helping blood vessels relax, Vasotec also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
 

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.)
 

Side Effects of Vasotec

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Vasotec. However, not everyone who takes Vasotec will experience side effects. When people do develop Vasotec side effects though, in most cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the most common side effects of Vasotec include (but are not limited to):
 
(Click Vasotec Side Effects to learn more about side effects of Vasotec. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Vasotec: Drug Interactions

Vasotec potentially has a number of medicines with which it may interact.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Vasotec for more information about Vasotec and these other medicines.)
 

What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking Vasotec?

Before taking Vasotec, you should let your healthcare provider know if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Enalapril and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Are on dialysis
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Vasotec for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Vasotec.)
 

Can I Overdose on Vasotec?

People who take too much Vasotec may have Vasotec overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Decrease in urine output
  • Drowsiness, headache, or back pain
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat.
     
If you happen to overdose on Vasotec, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Vasotec: Storage Methods

Store Vasotec at room temperature, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Keep Vasotec tablets in an airtight container.
 
Keep Vasotec and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Vasotec?

If you do not take your Vasotec as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Vasotec: Strengths

Vasotec is available in a number of strengths. These various strengths include:
 
  • Vasotec 2.5 mg
  • Vasotec 5 mg
  • Vasotec 10 mg
  • Vasotec 20 mg.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;