Uses of Vasotec

Vasotec belongs to the group of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat symptoms of hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. Detailed information of the drug Vasotec is presented in the article below.

Vasotec has the main ingredient Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin converting enzyme), with a content of 2.5mg, made in the form of tablets, for oral use.
Mechanism: Enalapril acts on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, Enalapril after hydrolysis to enalaprilat, inhibits ACE in humans and animals. ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II stimulates the secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex. ACE inhibitors reduce angiotensin II, vasoconstriction, and aldosterone secretion leading to hypotension.

Vasotec is used to treat:
Hypertension in adults and children 1 month of age and older; Congestive heart failure in adults; Ventricular disorders.

3.1. Dosage of Vasotec
Treatment of hypertension in adults:
Initial dose: Take 5mg x 1 time/day; Maintenance dose: 10 - 40mg/day, divided into 1-2 times; Maximum dose: 40mg/day, divided into 1-2 times. Combining Vasotec with diuretics:
Initial dose: Take 2.5 mg x 1 time/day; Diuretics should be discontinued 2 to 3 days before starting treatment with Vasotec. Congestive heart failure in adults:
Initial dose: Take 2.5 mg x 1 time/day; Maintenance dose: 2.5 - 20 mg/day, divided into 1-2 times; Maximum dose: 40 mg/day, divided into 2 doses. Left ventricular dysfunction in adults:
Initial dose: Take 2.5mg x 2 times/day; Maintenance dose: 20mg/day, taken 2 times. Hypertension in children (from 1 month to 17 years old):
Initial dose: 0.08mg/kg/day (maximum 5mg), divided into 1-2 times; Maximum dose: Doses greater than 0.58 mg/kg (40 mg) have not been evaluated in children. 3.2. How to use Vasotec
Drink Vasotec with filtered water; Vasotec can be taken with or without food as directed by your doctor; Use Vasotec every day even if you feel well, because high blood pressure often has no symptoms; Vasotec can be used alone or with other medicines.

Do not use Vasotec if you have one of the following conditions:
Are allergic to Enalapril or to any ACE inhibitor such as: Benazepril, Captopril, Lisinopril, Fosinopril, Moexipril, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril, Trandolapril . During pregnancy, Enalapril can cause birth defects or death in the unborn baby. Children under 1 month old. Ever had angioedema. Within 36 hours before or after taking a medicine containing Sacubitril (Entresto). Are taking any medicines that contain aliskiren.

The majority of Vasotec side effects are mild and transient. The undesirable effects when using Vasotec may occur are:
Allergic reactions: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, angioedema Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrest, muscle infarction Cardiac arrest, stroke, hypotension, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, chest pain, atrial fibrillation, palpitations, Raynaud's syndrome. Gastrointestinal: Intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, liver failure, hepatitis, anorexia, dyspepsia, constipation, glossitis, stomatitis, dry mouth. Hematology: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, bone marrow failure, anemia, mild decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, increased creatinine, blood urea, increased liver enzymes, serum bilirubin. Musculoskeletal: cramps, muscle weakness, muscle tension Nervous, psychotic: Depression, confusion, somnolence, insomnia, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, abnormal dreams Respiration: Bronchospasm , upper respiratory tract infection, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, pulmonary infiltrates, pneumonia Skin: Dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, herpes zoster, erythema, eyebrow urticaria, itching, hair loss, allergies, photosensitivity. Senses: blurred vision, altered taste, tinnitus, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, lacrimation. Genitourinary: Renal failure, oliguria, renal dysfunction, gynecomastia, impotence.

Before taking Vasotec, tell your doctor if you have: Kidney disease, liver disease or electrolyte imbalance You should not breast-feed while using Vasotec It is recommended to have regular checks of: Blood pressure, liver and kidney function , electrolytes Avoid: Changing positions too quickly, as dizziness may be felt. Alcohol should not be consumed, as alcohol can lower blood pressure and increase some of the side effects of Enalapril. Do not take potassium and salt supplements.

Many drugs can interact with Vasotec, like:
Diuretics, or any other blood pressure medicine. Insulin or diabetes medication. Taking lithium along with Vasotec may increase toxicity. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may decrease the effects of Vasotec. Neprilysin inhibitors, because of possible increased risk of angioedema. Concomitant use of Vasotec and an mTOR inhibitor (Temsirolimus, Sirolimus, Everolimus) may increase the risk of angioedema. Vasotec is used to treat hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. When taking this medicine, you need to take it every day as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions about Vasotec, contact your doctor immediately.