|
Chemical Name: ENALAPRIL (e-NAL-a-pril)
This medicine is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat
high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat congestive heart disease or to
decrease the risk of developing heart failure in some patients with a certain
type of heart problem (left ventricular dysfunction). This medicine may be used
to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six
months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately
contact your physician. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with
this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR
DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib),
salicylates (such as aspirin), phenothiazines (such as thioridazine or
chlorpromazine), "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide,
spironolactone, or triamterene), certain medicines for diabetes (such as
glyburide, glipizide or tolbutamide), pergolide, clozapine, indomethacin,
lithium, potassium, azathioprine, or trimethoprim. Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions including heart problems; blood vessel problems (such
as aortic stenosis or stroke); kidney problems; hemodialysis; liver problems;
electrolyte problems; dehydration; a salt-restricted diet; lupus or scleroderma;
diabetes; blood or bone marrow problems; allergies; pregnancy; or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of
unusual swelling of your face, neck, throat, tongue, lips, or trunk (angioedema).
Use of this medicine in children who have severe kidney problems or are less
than 1 month old is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and
benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at
room temperature in a tightly-closed container away from heat, moisture, and
light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking
this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO
TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A
DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, other ACE
inhibitors, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT
EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. IT MAY TAKE
SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without
checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver
function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood counts, and blood electrolytes
may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL
DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE
YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin taking this
medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE
DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine
alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or
to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizziness occurs, sit up or
stand slowly. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid
exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to
this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for
a prolonged period. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS during exercise or other activities
where excessive sweating may occur. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing;
tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash
or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine
unless your doctor tells you to do so. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE
TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or
other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you
have thoroughly washed your hands first. DO NOT USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE or other
potassium supplement without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING
ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your
doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY
because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN:
USE OF THIS MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY has resulted in fetal and newborn death.
If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE
IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache,
dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness or weakness, and cough. If
they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience severe lightheadedness or fainting; fast
or irregular heartbeat; prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; a change in the
amount of your urine; unusual joint pain; or unusual muscle pain, cramps, or
weakness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of hands,
legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk; difficulty swallowing or
breathing; hoarseness; chest pain; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin
or eyes; darkening of your urine; sore throat; or fever. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to
this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe
dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF
TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
|
