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Univasc |
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What is Univasc and why is it prescribed? Univasc is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or with thiazide diuretics that help rid the body of excess water. Univasc belongs to a family of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Univasc works by preventing the transformation of a hormone in your blood called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your body. Univasc also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels. You must take Univasc regularly for it to be effective. Univasc does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Univasc? Follow your doctors directions for taking Univasc. Univasc should be taken 1 hour before a meal. Try to get in the habit of taking your medication at the same time each day, such as 1 hour before breakfast, so that it is easier to remember. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Univasc at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture. Are there any Univasc side effects? Univasc side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Univasc side effects may include cough, diarrhea, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms. If you develop swelling of your face, around the lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of arms and legs; sore throat; or difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Less common Univasc side effects may include fatigue, flushing, muscle pain, rash, and sore throat. Rare Univasc side effects may include abdominal pain, anemia, anxiety, changes in appetite and weight, changes in taste, chest pain, constipation, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, feeling of illness, fluid retention, heart attack, hives, irregular heart rhythm, itching, joint pain, kidney problems, light-headedness on standing up, liver disease, low blood pressure, mood changes, nervousness, rash or skin disease, reduced amount of urine, ringing in ears, sensitivity to light, stroke, sweating, throbbing heartbeat, vomiting, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Univasc? If Univasc 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 Univasc with Diuretics (Diuril, Hydrodiuril, Lasix), Potassium supplements (Slow-K), Potassium-sparing diuretics (Aldactone, Moduretic, Maxzide), or Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid). Are there any special warnings about Univasc? Your doctor will check your kidney function when you start taking Univasc and watch it carefully for the first few weeks. Univasc can cause low blood pressure, especially if you are taking high doses of diuretics. You may feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or discontinued. If you actually faint, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately. If you have congestive heart failure or other heart or circulatory disorders, use this drug with caution. Be cautious, too, if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or a collagen-vascular disease such as lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could make you lose too much water, causing your blood pressure to become too low. Call your doctor if you have any of those conditions. If you notice a yellow coloring to your skin or the whites of your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately. You could be developing liver problems. If you are using bee or wasp venom to prevent severe reactions to stings, you may have an allergic reaction to Univasc. Some people on dialysis have had an allergic reaction to this type of drug (ACE inhibitor). If you develop a persistent, dry cough, tell your doctor. It may be due to the medication and, if so, will disappear if you stop taking Univasc. If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first. In a medical emergency and before you have surgery, notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Univasc. |
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