Vasotec (Enalapril) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Vasotec

Congestive Heart Failure »

Congestive heart failure facts

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs.

Many disease processes can impair the pumping efficiency of the heart to cause congestive heart failure.

The symptoms of congestive heart failure vary, but can include fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling.

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure is based on knowledge of the individual's medical history, a careful physical examination, and selected laboratory tests.

The treatment of congestive heart failure can include lifestyle modifications, addressing potentially reversible factors, medications, heart transplant, and mechanical therapies.

The course of congestive heart failure in any given patient is extremely variable.

What is congestive h...

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VASOTEC®
(enalapril maleate)

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Vasotec® as soon as possible.
Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. See WARNINGS: Fetal Toxicity

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VASOTEC® (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)-l-[N-[l-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl]-L-proline, (2T)-2-butenedioate salt (1:1). Its empirical formula is C₂₀H₂₈N₂O₅•C₄H₄O₄,, and its structural formula is:

VASOTEC®
(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.

Enalapril maleate is supplied as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient enalapril maleate, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium bicarbonate, and starch. The 10 mg and 20 mg tablets also contain iron oxides.

What are the possible side effects of enalapril (Vasotec)?

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:

feeling light-headed, fainting;
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
chest pain; or

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What are the precautions when taking enalapril (Vasotec)?

Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ACE inhibitors (such as benazepril); 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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), high level of potassium in the blood, collagen vascular disease (such as lupus, scleroderma).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/7/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.