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Enalapril Consumer Information

ENALAPRIL

Generic Name: enalapril (e NAH la pril)

Brand Names: Vasotec

What is the most important information I should know about enalapril?

• Do not take enalapril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, enalapril can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Enalapril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking enalapril.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Enalapril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with enalapril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.

What is enalapril?

• Enalapril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
• Enalapril is used to lower blood pressure and to prevent and treat heart failure.
• Enalapril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking enalapril?

• Enalapril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking enalapril.
• Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor if you
• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;
• are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
• are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone);
• have diabetes;
• have scleroderma or lupus; or
• have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke.
• You may not be able to take enalapril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Enalapril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that enalapril is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, enalapril can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take enalapril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether enalapril passes into breast milk. Do not use enalapril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take enalapril?

• Take enalapril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not stop taking enalapril without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become worse.
• Store enalapril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an enalapril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking enalapril?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Enalapril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking enalapril.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking enalapril except under the direction of your doctor.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with enalapril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.