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What is Vasotec
EnalaprilThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEnalapril is a drug that belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class and is used to regulate blood pressure and maintain balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. The drug works by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and increases sodium reabsorption. Enalapril is sold under the brand name Vasotec and was approved by the FDA in 1985 for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. It can also be found in combination with hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of
Vasotecis the brand name
Vasotec Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Vasotec
Enalapril
1985
352
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Enalapril, also known as Vasotec, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Hypertensive disease and asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction .Hypertensive disease
Helps manage High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction
Helps manage asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction
Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
Helps manage Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
Effectiveness
How Vasotec Affects PatientsEnalapril is a blood pressure medication that helps reduce blood pressure in people with essential and renovascular hypertension. It usually takes several weeks to see the full effects, and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Enalapril has been shown to improve cardiac performance and reduce left ventricular mass in those with congestive heart failure, and it does not often cause bradycardia or rebound hypertension when it is stopped. It does not usually cause side effects like hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia, hyperuricaemia, or hypercholesterolaemia. In the kidneys, it increases blood flow and reduces resistance
How Vasotec works in the bodyEnalapril works by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. When stimulated, this system causes increased release of norepinephrine from neurons and affects how the blood vessels grow, contract, and retain salt. Enalapril stops a protein called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) from working, which reduces levels of angiotensin II. This causes the blood vessels to widen and reduces the amount of resistance to blood flow. Lowering the resistance reduces blood pressure. There is also some evidence that enalapril may
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dose of Vasotec is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction, inadequately regulated blood pressure with monotherapy and Hypertensive disease. The measure of dosage is influenced by the methodology of delivery, as outlined in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction
, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5000.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5000.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Diabetic Nephropathy
, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5000.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy
, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5000.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Hypertensive disease
, 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 5000.0 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 16.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 32.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, soluble, Tablet, soluble - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release
Warnings
Vasotec ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Angioedemas, Hereditary
Do Not Combine
Type 2 Diabetes
Do Not Combine
Angioedema
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Angioedema
Do Not Combine
Common Vasotec Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amifostine
Major
Enalapril may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.
Azathioprine
Major
The risk or severity of myelosuppression, anemia, and severe leukopenia can be increased when Enalapril is combined with Azathioprine.
Lithium carbonate
Major
The serum concentration of Lithium carbonate can be increased when it is combined with Enalapril.
Lithium citrate
Major
The serum concentration of Lithium citrate can be increased when it is combined with Enalapril.
Lithium hydroxide
Major
The serum concentration of Lithium hydroxide can be increased when it is combined with Enalapril.
Vasotec Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of enalapril in rats is 2973mg/kg, and taking too much of the drug can be deadly in mice and rats. If a person takes more than the recommended dose, they may experience symptoms such as low blood pressure, tiredness, headaches, and dizziness. Treatment includes intravenous saline solution. In animals, taking enalapril during pregnancy or nursing has caused adverse effects. People of African descent may also have a lower response to the drug. If taking enalapril with another ACE inhibitor, be aware that agranulocytosis is a potential side effect.
Vasotec Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Vasotec?
19 active trials are presently investigating the potential of Vasotec in addressing Hypertensive disease, inadequately controlled blood pressure with monotherapy and asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
asymptomatic Left ventricular dysfunction
0 Actively Recruiting
Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
0 Actively Recruiting
Diabetic Nephropathy
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
19 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Vasotec Reviews: What are patients saying about Vasotec?
5Patient Review
12/17/2010 I was prescribed this medication to help with protein in my urine and type 2 diabetes. So far, I've had no stop hurting cough that won't go away. Hard to sleep. Stomach & ribs ache from cough. The doctor wants me to continue the medication until I see him, but the side effects are really tough to deal with.
5Patient Review
11/14/2011 Recently, my dose was increased and I've been feeling dizzy when I stand up. My urine has also been very dark; this started happening a few months ago when they raised my dosage. After reading the information on this medication, it seems to match what I'm experiencing. I'm going to see if the doctor can lower my dosage or switch me to something else.
5Patient Review
7/4/2014 I've been using this treatment for 20 years and it's by far the best one I've tried.
5Patient Review
6/5/20104.3Patient Review
7/11/2011 I've been taking this medication for over 30 years and have had to increase my dosage. The price is almost prohibitive, but the generic version does not work for me.
4.3Patient Review
8/9/20104Patient Review
7/15/2011 I sweat really heavily when I take this medication, to the point where it's very bothersome. It usually goes away within a week of stopping the enalapril, but then my blood pressure spikes again.
4Patient Review
5/23/2012 The first week I experienced a really unpleasant "metallic" taste, but thankfully that went away. My blood pressure has lowered, which is great; however, I do sometimes feel lightheaded or dizzy if I stand up too quickly.
3.7Patient Review
2/21/2011 I had open heart surgery with 5 bypasses in June, and I'm still having issues with high blood pressure. This medication makes me feel slightly drunk.
3.7Patient Review
1/21/2018 I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping since I started taking Vasotec. Has anyone else experienced this as a side effect?
3Patient Review
9/28/2010 The medicine has really decreased my sex drive, which is a big problem for me.
3Patient Review
1/15/2011 I felt out of breath after taking this medication.
3Patient Review
2/17/2012 Since starting this treatment, I have developed a very persistent cough and sore throat. This has made my life quite difficult, as I am now 75 years old. My doctor said that these side effects would go away after a while, but it's been several months now and I'm still experiencing them. While the medication has helped to lower my blood pressure, the trade-off is not worth it for me.
2.7Patient Review
9/11/2015 I started taking this a week ago after my doctor switched me from another medication that wasn't working. A couple hours after taking it, I felt awful: like I had the flu. My teeth were chattering, I had bone and muscle aches, weak legs (which is already an issue for me since I need a hip replacement). So far, not too pleased.
2.3Patient Review
9/14/2011 When taken in the morning, I experienced fatigue and brain fog. However, this could be because I weigh less than the average person. I'm going to try taking it at night instead and see if that helps.
2.3Patient Review
5/22/20102.3Patient Review
8/8/20101.7Patient Review
5/28/20101Patient Review
6/3/2010Patient Q&A Section about vasotec
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is the side effect of Vasotec?
"The following effects may occur as your body adjusts to the medication: dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, or a dry cough. If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI
Does Vasotec affect heart rate?
"This, in turn, reduces the strain on your heart, and can lead to a lower heart rate.
Will enalapril (Vasotec) lower your heart rate? Enalapril (Vasotec) doesn't work directly on your heart to make your heart rate go down. Instead, it causes your blood vessels to relax, which lowers your blood pressure. This then makes it easier for your heart, and can lead to a lower heart rate."
Answered by AI
Is Vasotec a beta blocker?
"Vasotec and Tenormin are two different types of drugs. Vasotec is an ACE inhibitor while Tenormin is a beta blocker."
Answered by AI
What is Vasotec prescribed for?
"A prescription medication, Vasotec, is used to treat hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. It may be used alone or with other medications and belongs to a class of drugs called ACE Inhibitors."
Answered by AI