Vaseretic (Enalapril Maleate-Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Vaseretic

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High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, which is the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure incre...

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Vaseretic

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VASERETIC®
(enalapril maleate-hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets

USE IN PREGNANCY

When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, ACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, VASERETIC should be discontinued as soon as possible. (See WARNINGS, Pregnancy, Enalapril Maleate, Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VASERETIC® (Enalapril Maleate-Hydrochlorothiazide) combines an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril maleate, and a diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide.

Enalapril maleate is the maleate salt of enalapril, the ethyl ester of a long-acting angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalaprilat. Enalapril maleate is chemically described as (S)-1[N-[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl]-L-proline, (Z)-2-butenedioate salt (1:1). Its empirical formula is C₂₀H₂₈N₂O₅•C₄H₄O₄, and its structural formula is:

Enalapril maleate Structural Formula Illustration

Enalapril maleate is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 492.53. It is sparingly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, and freely soluble in methanol.

Enalapril is a pro-drug; following oral administration, it is bioactivated by hydrolysis of the ethyl ester to enalaprilat, which is the active angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.

Hydrochlorothiazide is 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1dioxide. Its empirical formula is C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂ and its structural formula is:

Hydrochlorothiazide Structural Formula Illustration

It is a white, or practically white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.74, which is slightly soluble in water, but freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution.

VASERETIC (enalapril maleate-hydrochlorothiazide tablets) is available in the tablet combination of enalapril maleate with hydrochlorothiazide:

VASERETIC (enalapril maleate-hydrochlorothiazide tablets) 10-25, containing 10 mg enalapril maleate and 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. Inactive ingredients are: iron oxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium bicarbonate, and starch.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril (Vaseretic 10-25, Vaseretic 5-12.5)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);

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What are the precautions when taking enalapril maleate-hydrochlorothiazide tablets (Vaseretic)?

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either enalapril or hydrochlorothiazide; or to other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); or to other thiazides (such as chlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of an allergic reaction that included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), an inability to make urine (anuria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 5/2/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.