Enalapril
Uses
Enalapril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack and diabetic kidney disease.
How it Works
Enalapril is known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Enalapril prevents the body from creating a hormone known as angiotensin II. Enalapril does this by blocking or inhibiting a chemical called angiotensin-converting enzyme which then widens the blood vessels and helps to reduce the amount of water put back into the blood by your kidneys. These actions help to decrease blood pressure.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Enalapril may suffer from such side effects;
Decreased blood pressure,
Cough,
Increased potassium level in blood,
Fatigue,
Weakness,
Dizziness,
Renal impairment
Introduction
Vasotec is an ACE or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor. Vasotec is a drug used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure which can damage various vital organs in the body including the liver, kidney, brain, and the heart itself. Patients take this medicine alone or coupled with any other drug for its synergistic effect. Vasotec can also be used in treating heart failure. Vasotec is best used combined with diuretics. It is also used for the treatment of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
Composition
Vasotec (enalapril) is composed of ENALAPRIL MALEATE. It comes in the form of tablets and has strengths 2.5 mg, 5mg, 10mg, and up to 20 mg. It contains substances like lactose, starch, and sodium bicarbonate. It also has magnesium stearate.
Use
This drug is used to cure hypertension or high blood pressure. Patients can use this medicine by itself or also coupled with any other drug for its synergistic effect. This can also be used for the treatment of heart failure. Vasotec is best used combined with diuretics. It is also used for the treatment of patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. Proper administration and the right amount of dosage is important in treating any kind of diseases. Vasotec comes in the form of tablet usually off-white to white. It is also supplied via suspension.
Dosage and administration
This drug has a normal dosage for patients with creatinine clearance of not a greater than 30 mL per minute or serum creatinine with a limit of 3mg per dL and those who have a creatinine clearance less than or equal to 30 mL per minute or serum creatinine less than or equal to 3 mg/dL. The first dosage needs to be taken once daily is 2.5 mg. Dosage for patients may titrate up until there is a control on his/her blood pressure or for a maximum of 40 mg every day.
Contraindication
Pregnant woman and kids are not allowed to use this drug. It is also contraindicated in patients with angioedema and patients with hypersensitivity to angiotensin converting enzyme. If you are a nursing mother, usage of this drug is highly discouraged too. Usage of this drug may increase the level of potassium in the body.
Important Precautions
Before starting on Enalapril, you are required to inform your health care provider any history of allergy as it may greatly affect the efficacy of the treatment. The inactive component of this product may cause allergic reactions, minor or even severe other health problems. It is also important to inform your medical health provider regarding your medical history such as previous diseases, hospitalizations, and or vaccinations. Lyvothyroxine is also excreted via breast milk.
Side effects
The side effects of this drug are usually mild as this drug is typically tolerable. While using this drug you may occasionally experience coughing, diarrhea, dizziness, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, tingling sensation of the upper and lower extremity, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, headache, and liver dysfunction.
Storage
Store your Vasotec tablet at warm temperature. Keep the drug away from moisture, heat, and light. If you are using the suspension store it to 2 to 8 degree Celsius temperature. After 30 days period, see to it that you discard the Vasotec suspension drug.