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$Title{enalapril}
$Subject{Vasotec Merck Sharp Dohme Antihypertensive enalapril high blood
pressure vasodilator blood vessels chemicals}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


enalapril
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Vasotec (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihypertensive

INGREDIENT

     enalapril

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg)

STORAGE

     Store enalapril at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure.  It is a vasodilator (it
widens the blood vessels) that acts by blocking the production of chemicals
that may be responsible for constricting or narrowing the blood vessels.

TREATMENT

     Enalapril can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food if it
causes stomach irritation.  To become accustomed to taking this medication,
try to take it at the same time(s) every day.
     It may be several weeks before you notice the full effects of this
medication.
     If you miss a dose of enalapril, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     Enalapril does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control
the condition as long as you continue to take the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue,
headache, heartburn, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sweating, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     To avoid dizziness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your
legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by alternately pushing one foot
against the floor while lifting the other foot slightly.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain; difficulty in breathing; fainting; fever; itching;
light-headedness (especially during the first few days); muscle cramps;
palpitations; rash; sore throat; swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue;
tingling in the fingers or toes; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Enalapril interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Diuretics (water pills) and other antihypertensive medications can
cause an excessive drop in blood pressure when they are combined with
enalapril (especially with the first dose).
     2. The combination of enalapril with spironolactone, triamterene,
amiloride, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes can lead to hyperkalemia
(dangerously high levels of potassium in the bloodstream).
     Before starting to take enalapril, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to enalapril.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blood
disorders, heart failure, renal disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
     * Excessive perspiration, dehydration, or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure while you are taking this
medication.  Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
     * Before having surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your
doctor or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medications for weight control or for asthma, sinus, cough,
cold, or allergy problems unless you first check with your doctor.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Drugs in the same
class as enalapril have been shown to cause birth defects, including kidney
damage, low blood pressure, improper skull development, and death, when taken
in the second and third trimesters.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not yet known if enalapril passes into human
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.