What is Vasotec?

Vasotec, also known as Innovace internationally, is oral tablet made up of an ACE inhibitor called enalapril. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg!

 

What is Vasotec used for?

Vasotec is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure, but may also be used to treat congestive heart failure. A person who has narrow arteries and a heart that pumps more blood than normal will have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a condition in which there are little symptoms – if any at all – which is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked often. If high blood pressure goes untreated for too long, a person may risk developing heart problems (like heart attack or stroke) and kidney problems. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of high blood pressure is occurs when your heart can no longer pump a sufficient amount of oxygen into the blood to supply the organs and tissues.

 

How does Vasotec work?

Vasotec (enalapril) is effective at treating high blood pressure and congestive heart failure because as an ACE inhibitor, Vasotec is able to lower blood pressure by reducing pressure in the vessels and creating easier blood flow throughout the body. This is done by widening the blood vessels.

Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Vasotec (enalapril) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.

This medication is taken by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit out of it; create a routine by taking the medication at the same time everyday; this will ensure you do not miss a dose and get the most benefit!

Do not use Vasotec (enalapril)

Do not use Vasotec if you are allergic to enalapril or if you have hereditary angioedema, recently took a medicine called sacubitril, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any ACE inhibitor. Do not take this medication within 36 hours before or after taking medication that contains sacubitril. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, do not use this medication with any other medications that may contain aliskiren. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or under the age of 1 month old.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.

Risks

If you become pregnant while on this medication; tell your doctor and discontinue use of Vaseretic right away. This drug can harm the unborn baby and may even terminate the pregnancy.

Do not breast feed while using this medication.

Common side effects of Vasotec (enalapril) may include:

dizziness; tiredness; or feeling light-headed.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Vasotec (enalapril) may include:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; chest pain; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); little or no urination; fever, chills, sore throat.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

high potassium: nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

What is Enalapril?

Enalapril is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor drug responsible for therapeutic effects of Vasotec (Innovace), a name-brand prescription medication. We carry the brand and the generic version of this medication in 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg tablets.

 

What is Enalapril maleate?

If enalapril is the active ingredient that makes Vasotec therapeutically effective, why do some prescriptions say enalapril maleate? It’s because Vasotec is not technically made up of enalapril, but enalapril maleate; the maleate salt of enalapril. Before enalapril is compressed into Vasotec tablets, it is first made into its existing salt form, which in the case of enalapril, is maleate. If it wasn’t first turned into its salt form, it would not dissolve or absorb into the body very well and would therefore cause the medication to be less effective – if effective at all. So while enalapril has beneficial effects, it must first be turned into its salt form (enalapril maleate) in order for its benefits to work. To prevent confusion, enalapril maleate is commonly referred to as just enalapril.

 

What is Enalapril used for?

Enalapril can be used for the treatment of both high blood pressure or for congestive heart failure; these are long-term conditions that pose multiple health complication if left untreated.

 

What does Enalapril do?

For high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, enalapril will help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, as well as stroke, and kidney problems by lowering blood pressure and allowing easier blood flow. For congestive heart failure, using enalapril will help reduce fluid build-up and swelling, which may help you feel better as well as help you live longer and require less hospital visits.

 

What are the side effects of Enalapril?

Enalapril, like many other medications, may cause certain side effects while your body adjusts to the new drug. You may find yourself with side effects such as dry cough, a rash or itching, dizziness, allergy-like symptoms, and many other possible side effects. Side effects are a good indication that the medication is working; they should not alarm you. However, if they do not go away or become bothersome, you should consult your doctor as there may be a better medication available for you.

 

Who manufactures Vasotec?

Vasotec first came into medical use in the United States in 1984, roughly 36 years ago, after being developed and manufactured by one of today’s largest (7th) pharmaceutical companies in the world; Merck & Co., Inc.

 

What is the generic name for Vasotec?

The generic name for Vasotec can be found under the active ingredients name; enalapril. The generic is available in the same strengths as the brand-name medication and shares all the same therapeutic effects and benefits as the brand; only the generic is lower in cost and may have a different appearance. You can purchase the generic Vasotec with a valid prescription when you buy enalapril online at My Drug Center.