Vasotec

Vasotec Info

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.

What Is Vasotec Used For?

Vasotec is licensed to treat a number of conditions. In the case of adults, these uses include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Congestive heart failure treatment
Treatment of left ventricular dysfunction.

Vasotec is not a cure for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.

This medication is also used to treat high blood pressure in children one month of age and older.

How Does It 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, the medication can decrease the chances for developing heart failure symptoms along with a decrease in hospitalizations.

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Vasotec include the following:

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

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 with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.

(Click Vasotec Dosage for more information.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Vasotec. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects, 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):

Cough (see Enalapril Cough )
Fatigue
Dizziness
Headache
Body weakness.

(Click Vasotec Side Effects to learn more about the side effects of this drug. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:

Drug Interactions

Vasotec can potentially interact with a number of medications.

(Click Drug Interactions With Vasotec for more information.)

What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking Vasotec?

Before taking Vasotec, you should let your healthcare provider know if you have:

Heart disease, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, or aortic stenosis
Liver disease (including cirrhosis) or liver failure
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Diabetes
Scleroderma
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE)
A personal or family history of angioedema, which is swelling under the skin
Any allergies, including allergies to ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

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 the drug.)

Can I Overdose on Vasotec?

People who take too much Vasotec may have 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.

(Click Vasotec Overdose for more information.)

Storage Methods

Store Vasotec at room temperature, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Keep the 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!

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.

Generic Vasotec

Vasotec was originally developed by Merck & Co. It is currently manufactured by Biovail Pharmaceutical. It has come off patent, making it available as a generic. Several companies sell generic Vasotec under the name Enalapril Maleate tablets.