Enalapril Side Effects
Serious side effects of Enalapril
- Enalapril may significantly lower blood pressure, resulting in lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
- A rare but serious allergic reaction may occur, which can cause swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, rash, hives, or itching.
- Liver damage is uncommon, but watch for changes in urination, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Enalapril can decrease levels of white blood cells and increase a patient's risk of contracting diseases or infections, which can cause flu-like symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, or fever.
- Death or malformation of the fetus in patients who are pregnant.
Common side effects of Enalapril
- Enalapril has been shown to cause less serious reactions, such as headache, dizziness, and cough. If these symptoms persist, alert your doctor before continuing use of Elanapril.
Warnings & Recalls for Enalapril
Enalapril and Pregnancy
Enalapril has received a pregnancy Category D and a black box warning for the risk of fetal toxicity in patients who are pregnant. Enalapril can cause serious harm or malformation of the fetus, which in serious cases can cause fetal death. If you become pregnant while taking this medication stop use immediately to prevent any potential harm to your unborn baby, and talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.Enalapril Contraindications & Warnings
Enalapril should not be used by patients who are pregnant, taking diuretic medications, have a history of kidney or liver impairment, or have suffered from angioedema due to previous use of ACE inhibitor medications.Enalapril should not be used by patients who are taking medications which contain lithium, potassium, cardiovascular agents, injectable gold, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or medications which cause renin release.
Enalapril Treatment and Use
Enalapril | Vasotec is a generic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication used to treat high blood pressure and prevent congestive heart failure. Enalapril, like most ACE inhibitor medications, has also been used successfully to help patients who suffer from heart failure by decreasing the level of strain on the heart.
Enalapril is not a cure for any of these conditions, and must be taken on a regular basis to maintain symptoms.
How does Enalapril work?
Enalapril prevents the formation of the naturally produced substance known as angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels in the heart to contract. This constriction can have a negative effect, particularly in patients who suffer from heart-related conditions, and can result in heightened blood pressure. By interfering with the development of angiotensin II, enalapril enables blood to pump more easily through the body, and helps reduce the heart’s workload.
Enalapril Dosing Information
Enalapril is prescribed in different strengths and increments based on the condition being treated, and can be used alone or in combination with other medications:
Heart Failure
- Starting dosage of 2.5 mg orally, once or twice daily, with a maximum, divided dosage not to exceed 40 mg daily
High Blood Pressure
- Staring dosage of 5 mg orally daily, typically raised to an amount between 10 mg and 40 mg.
You doctor may increase your dosage in response the drug’s effectiveness and/or the appearance or persistence of side effects. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, and tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially those which contain diuretic components.
Other Names for Enalapril
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Lawsuits & Legal Information for Enalapril
