About Vasotec
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Vasotec.
Vasotec is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor prescribed to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. In some cases, such as in diabetics, it may be used in the treatment of kidney disease. It derives its effectiveness from its ability to inhibit the production of vasoconstrictors that contribute to high blood pressure. This allows blood to flow more easily in the body, and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood.
Vasotec is usually prescribed in tablet form, in both immediate and extended release versions. It should be taken at the same time every day, with or without food. A skipped dose should be taken when it is remembered, though patients should not risk "doubling up" on any dose of this medication.
Health care professionals may begin a course of this medication with the lowest possible dose, gradually increasing it over time as its effectiveness is gauged. Though Vasotec treats and controls high blood pressure, it is not a cure. It should not be discontinued when the patient has noticed improvement.
Vasotec may cause side effects. These may include coughing, light-headedness, skin rashes, and fatigue or weakness. More serious side effects might include difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe dizziness, fainting, hoarseness, sore throat, chills, fever, or irregular swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, face, tongue, lips, or throat. Patients who experience serious side effects should contact their health care providers as soon as possible.
| Form: |
Tablets, I.V. solution |
| Strength: |
2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg tablets. 1.25 mg/mL in I.V. solution. |
| Storage: |
Tablets should be stored at room temperature, but protected from excess moisture. I.V. solution may be stored at room temperature. |
| Contraindications: |
Anyone with a known allergy to enalapril or any component part of this medication. Pregnant women should not take Vasotec, as enalapril may cause harm to the fetus. |
| Generic Name: |
Enalapril |
What is Enalapril?
Enalapril is the generic form of Vasotec and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Enalapril.
