Enalapril

Generic Name : Enalapril

TradeName : Acepril, BQL, Converten, ENA, Enace, Enalap, Ena, Enamate, Enamate, Encardil, Enpril, Envas, EPM, Hytrol, Invoril, Minipril, Myoace, Newace, Normace, Nuril, Oren, Tenfri, Vasopril, Vasonorm, Viviril

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. The drug decreases certain chemicals that constrict the blood vessels so that blood flows more smoothly.

When it is to be taken :
1. Enalapril is usually taken once or twice a day.
2. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.
3. You may take enalapril before, during, or after meals.
4. Enalapril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Therefore, it 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 : Enalapril 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 without consulting your doctor.
3. Special dietary instuctions should be followed. 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 a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and take any remaining dose for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects :
1. Headache, fatigue, diarrhoea. If these effects persist or become severe, contact your doctor.
2. Nausea. Take enalapril 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 enalapril and contact your doctor.
4. Red and itchy skin rash. Contact your doctor and do not treat the rash yourself.
5. Sore throat and fever, cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. Contact your doctor.
6. Difficulty breathing; swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs. Stop taking enalapril and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics, potassium supplements, other medication for high blood pressure, and lithium.
2. Before you take enalapril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors. 4. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking enalapril.

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.