Enalapril (Vasotec)
What You Should Know

Brand Name: Vasotec

What is Enalapril (Vasotec)?

The Information about Enalapril (Vasotec) contained herein is a compilation of materials available from drugs.com and simplified for the average consumer.

Enalapril also known by the brand name Vasotec, is an Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or (ACE) inhibitor.

ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance in your body that affects your cardiovascular system by narrowing your blood vessels and releasing hormones that can raise your blood pressure.

This narrowing can cause high blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. ACE inhibitors help relax these blood vessels.

There are drug free alternatives to lowering your blood pressure that may be effective for you. Read about them here.

How to use Enalapril (Vasotec)

• Take Enalapril (Vasotec) as prescribed on your medication bottle. Do not take more or less or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• If you are taking oral Enalapril (Vasotec), shake well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
• You may need regular blood pressure, kidney and liver tests at your doctors office.
• You may need to briefly stop using Enalapril (Vasotec) before having surgery, so discuss with your surgeon.
• If you are taking liquid Enalapril (Vasotec), store in the refrigerator, not the freezer. Discard any unused portion after 60 days. Enalapril (Vasotec) tablets should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• If you miss a dose of Enalapril (Vasotec), take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Enalapril (Vasotec).

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Enalapril (Vasotec).

What to know before using Enalapril (Vasotec):

If any of the following conditions apply to you, discuss with your doctor before taking Enalapril (Vasotec):

• angioedema
• allergy to Enalapril (Vasotec) or any other ACE inhibitors
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• pregnant
• breast feeding
• a history of blood clot or stroke (including “mini-stroke”)
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood)
• heart disease or congestive heart failure (unless you are taking enalapril for this condition).
• Diabetics and those with kidney disease should not use enalapril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

Side effects of Enalapril (Vasotec):

Stop using Enalapril (Vasotec) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness
• lack or loss of strength
• rash

The information about Enalapril (Vasotec) comes from drugs.com

Enalapril (Vasotec) Natural Alternatives:

If you are taking Enalapril (Vasotec) or other Ace Inhibitor medications, the various ingredients  in Tikva have been proven through either clinical trials or other research to lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating (widening) the arteries. Tikva has several natural ingredients that help to widen the arteries, so they do not become too narrow.

Several of the ingredients in Tikva can also increase circulation, dissolve plaque that is already in the arteries and reduce new plaque from forming. In addition, there are ingredients in Tikva to help reduce stress that often increases blood pressure without all of the side effects.

Read more about the natural ingredients in Tikva on our research and ingredients page, by clicking here.