Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic Name : Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide

TradeName : Enam, Envas, Enapril

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : The combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat moderate to severe high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. This medication decreases certain chemicals that constrict the blood vessels so that blood flows more smoothly. It also helps lower blood pressure by eliminating unneeded water and salt from the body.

When it is to be taken :
1. This medication is usually taken once daily.
2. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.
3. You may take this medication before, during, or after meals.
4. This medication controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Therefore, enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide must be taken regularly to be effective.
5. It may take several weeks before you feel the full effect of this medication.

How it should be taken : This medication comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to this medication.
2. Do not stop taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide without consulting your doctor.
3. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these instructions carefully. Consult Your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium.
4. If you forget to take & dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, it you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Although side effects from enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, cough, decreased sexual ability, diarrhoea. lf these effects persist or become severe, contact your doctor.
2. Nausea. Take the medication with food or milk.
3. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness, especially when you get out of bed or rise from a chair. Get up slowly. If you faint, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.
4. Red and itchy skin rash. Contact your doctor and do not treat the rash yourself.
5. Difficulty breathing; swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs. Stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately.
6. Sore throat and fever. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease or diabetes.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially diuretics potassium supplements, and lithium.
3. Alcohol may add to the dizziness and lightheadedness caused by this medication. Ask your doctor for advice about the safe use of alcohol.
4. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors. 5. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery
, tell the doctor that you are taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and protect it from moisture.