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Enalapril |
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What is Enalapril and why is it prescribed? Enalapril is a high blood pressure medication known as an ACE inhibitor. Enalapril works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Enalapril is effective when used alone or in combination with other medications. It is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, usually in combination with diuretics and digitalis, and is prescribed as a preventive measure in certain conditions that could lead to heart failure. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Enalapril regularly for it to be effective. Enalapril does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Enalapril? Follow your doctors directions for taking Enalapril. Enalapril can be taken with or without food. Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without first consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Keep the container tightly closed. Store Enalapril at room temperature and protect it from moisture. Are there any Enalapril side effects? Enalapril side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Enalapril side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, abnormal skin sensations such as numbness or prickling, anaphylactoid reactions, angina pectoris, angioedema, asthma, blisters, blood abnormalities, blood clots or foreign material in the lungs, blurred vision, breast enlargement in males, bronchitis, confusion, constipation, cough, dark, tarry stool containing blood, decreased urination, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, digestive difficulty and stomach discomfort, dizziness, dizziness upon standing, dry eyes, dry mouth, excessive perspiration, fainting, fatigue, flank pain, fluid in lungs, flushing, hair loss, headache, heart palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances, hepatitis, herpes zoster, hives, impotence, inflammation of the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, itching, lack of muscle coordination, liver failure, loss of appetite, loss of sense of smell, low blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, pinkeye, pneumonia, pounding heartbeat, rapid or slow heartbeat, rash, Raynaud's phenomenon, red skin, ringing in ears, runny nose, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, sore throat and hoarseness, stroke, taste alteration, tearing, tingling or pins and needles or burning sensation, upper respiratory infection, upset stomach, urinary tract infection, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Enalapril? If Enalapril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Enalapril with Diuretics (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn), Potassium-containing salt substitutes, Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Dyrenium and Midamor), or Potassium supplements (such as K-Lyte and K-Tab). Are there any special warnings about Enalapril? Enalapril has been known to cause a serious allergic reaction called angioedema. The symptoms are swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of arms and legs; and difficulty swallowing or breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. If you are taking bee or wasp venom to prevent an allergic reaction to stings, you may have a severe allergic reaction to Enalapril. If you are taking high doses of diuretics and Enalapril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. You are at special risk if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or a potassium or salt imbalance. Some people on kidney dialysis have had a severe allergic reaction to Enalapril. Your doctor should check your blood regularly while you are taking Enalapril. ACE inhibitors can cause fetal abnormalities and fetal and newborn deaths when used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters. When pregnancy is detected, Enalapril should be discontinued as soon as possible. If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. Also, if your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow, contact your doctor at once. Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could prompt you to lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to drop dangerously. Be careful when exercising or when exposed to excessive heat when using Enalapril. |
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