Vasotec

• This drug can cause serious and possibly fatal harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.
• Consult your medical provider for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication.
• If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your medical provider right away.

• Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
• The medication is also used to treat heart failure and to help prevent people with left ventricular dysfunction from developing heart failure.
• Enalapril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your medical provider, usually once or twice daily.
• If you are using the suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon, as you may not get the correct dose.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months. Tell your medical provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens—for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.

• Dizziness, lightheadedness or weakness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough may also occur. Impotence and abnormal changes in blood count may occur. If any of these effects continue or get worse, tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away.
• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
• Tell your medical provider right away if you experience fainting or symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness or slow/irregular heartbeat). These side effects are unlikely but can be serious.
• Although Enalapril may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, it may also cause or worsen serious kidney problems in rare cases. Your medical provider will check your kidney function while you are taking Enalapril. Tell your medical provider right away if you have any signs of kidney problems, such as a change in amount of urine.
• Angioedema is a potential side effect. Symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or neck. This is not considered an allergic reaction and can occur any time during treatment. This swelling can compromise the airway and be life threatening. Black patients and patients with a personal or family history of angioedema are at higher risk. If you believe you may be at higher risk, discuss alternative treatment options with your medical provider.

• In rare cases, this drug may cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems. Tell your medical provider right away if you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects:

  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
  • Yellowing eyes or skin
  • Dark urine
  • Severe stomach or abdominal pain

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Enalapril, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other ACE inhibitors like Benazepril or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard and request a medical provider callback for more details.

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • History of a reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema)
  • Blood filtering procedures such as LDL apheresis or dialysis
  • High levels of potassium in the blood
• This drug may make you dizzy, which can be exacerbated by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical provider if you are using marijuana.
• To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Too much sweating, diarrhea or vomiting may cause dehydration and increase your risk of lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your medical provider. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your medical provider directs you otherwise.
• In rare cases, some people, especially those who already have severe heart disease, may develop worsening chest pain, a heart attack, stroke, blood clots or arrhythmias after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath or unusual sweating, weakness, or difficulty speaking.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
• This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your medical provider or pharmacist.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including dizziness and increases in potassium level.
• Tell your medical provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Enalapril, as it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your OB/GYN right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. Consult your medical provider for more details (see also “Warnings to be aware of” section).
• This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your OB/GYN before breastfeeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use—including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products—and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.

• Some products that may interact with this drug include:

  • Aliskiren
  • Allopurinol
  • Certain drugs that weaken the immune system or increase the risk of infection, such as Everolimus and Sirolimus
  • Lithium, Duloxetine and some antipsychotic medications
  • Drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ARBs, including Losartan or Valsartan, antibiotics such as Bactrim or birth control pills containing drospirenone)
  • Sacubitril
• Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely—especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids or NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
• A very serious reaction may occur if you are getting injections for bee/wasp sting allergy (desensitization) and are also taking Enalapril. Make sure all your medical providers know which medicines you are using.

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the efficacy of this medicine. Talk to your medical provider or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
• Laboratory and/or medical tests like kidney function and potassium levels should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your medical provider for more details.
• Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your medical provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Discard any unused suspension after 30 days. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.