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