Rinfocan- Prescription Drug Information for Canadians
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(Generic Name)
BRAND NAMES
Vasotec, 2.5 mg
Vasotec, 5 mg
Vasotec, 10 mg
Vasotec, 20 mg
TYPE OF DRUG
Antihypertensive.
PRESCRIBED FOR
High blood pressure in adults or children; heart failure; diabetic
kidney disease. This medicine may be taken alone or with a
thiazide-type diuretic.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Enalapril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors,
which reduce blood pressure by preventing the conversion of a
potent hormone called Angiotensin 1. This directly affects the
production of other hormones and enzymes which participate in
the regulation of blood pressure. The effect is to lower blood
pressure within 1 to 1 1/4 hours after taking the medicine. They
may treat heart failure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the
amount of work the heart has to do to pump blood throughout the
body. Some people, if taking Enalapril with a diuretic,
experience a rapid blood pressure drop. To prevent this from
happening, your doctor may tell you to stop the diuretic 2 or 3
days before starting Enalapril and start again if your blood
pressure is not controlled by Enalapril alone.
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
This drug can cause kidney problems, especially loss of protein
in the urine. Patients taking Enalapril should have the amount of
protein in the urine measured during the first month of treatment
and monthly for the next few months. The drug can also cause a
reduction in white-blood-cell count, leading to a potential for
increased susceptibility to infection. Enalapril should be used
with caution by people who have kidney disease or diseases of
the immune/collagen system (particularly lupus erythematosus)
or who have taken other drugs that affect the white-blood-cell
count.
PREGNANCY/BREAST-FEEDING
ACE inhibitors pass into the developing fetus and are generally
associated with some birth defects if taken during the last 6
months of pregnancy. The specific effect of Enalapril on the
developing fetus is not known, but studies have shown that it can
affect a developing animal fetus. Enalapril should be used with
caution by women who are or might become pregnant.
Small amounts of Enalapril passes into the breast milk and may
affect a nursing infant. Nursing mothers should not use this
medication.
SENIORS
Older adults may be less sensitive to the
blood-pressure-lowering effects of this drug than younger adults,
but they may be more sensitive to its side effects. Dosage must
be individualized to your needs.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Chest pain, low blood pressure, angina pains, dizziness
(especially when rising from a sitting or lying postion), fainting,
tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary
infections, rash (usually mild), bronchitis, cough, difficulty
breathing, and weakness are the most common side effects.
Less common drug side effects are heart palpitations, abnormal
heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke, rapid heartbeat, sleeping
difficulty, tingling in the hands or feet, confusion, depression,
muscle weakness or cramps, nervousness, changes in taste
perception, appetite loss, constipation, decreased urination, dry
mouth, upset and irritated stomach, bloody stool, irritation of the
tongue, hepatitis (including yellowing of the skin or eyes),
abdominal pains, respiratory infection, hair loss, sweating, skin
rashes, flushing, itching, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, dry eyes,
tearing, ringing or buzzing in the ears, hearing loss, arthritis,
muscle or joint pains, kidney problems, pneumonia, asthma, sore
throat, and hoarseness. Swelling of the face, arms, legs, mucous
membranes, throat, or tongue may occur and should be reported
to your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The blood-pressure-lowering effect of Enalapril is additive with
diuretic drugs and beta blockers. Other drugs that cause rapid
drops in blood pressure should be used with extreme caution
because of a possible severe drop when taken together with
Enalapril.
Antacids and Indomethacin may interfere with Enalapril's
blood-pressure-lowering effects.
Enalapril may increase potassium levels in your blood, especially
when taken together with Dyazide or other potassium-sparing
diuretics. It may also increase blood levels of Digoxin or
Lithium. Your doctor may reduce the dosage of those drugs to
account for this interaction.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Enalapril may be taken without regard to food or meals.
USUAL DOSE
1/2 to 40 milligrams once a day. Some people may take their
total daily dosage in 2 divided doses. People with poor kidney
function have to take less medicine to achieve reduced blood
pressure.
OVERDOSAGE
The primary effect of Enalapril overdosage is a rapid drop in
blood pressure, as evidenced by dizziness or fainting. Take the
overdose victim to a hospital emergency room immediately.
ALWAYS remember to bring the medicine bottle.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Call your doctor if you develop a sore throat, mouth sores,
abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of the face, eyes, lips,
or tongue, a persistent rash, or loss of taste perception.
You may get dizzy if you rise to your feet quickly from a sitting
or lying position.
Avoid strenous exercise and/or very hot weather because heavy
sweating and/or dehydration can cause a rapid drop in blood
pressure.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's
knowledge.
Avoid nonprescription medicines such as diet pills,
decongestants, and stimulants that can raise your blood pressure.
If you forget to take a dose of Enalapril, take it as soon as you
remember. If it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled
dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular
schedule. Do not take a double dose.
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