Vasotec is called Innovace in Europe.
Information about Vasotec (Enalapril)
Vasotec (Enalapril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Enalapril works by blocking the action of a substance in the body (angiotensin I) that constricts blood vessels, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on the heart.
Product Highlights
- Vasotec is prescribed to help lower high blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
- It is used to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with congestive heart failure.
- Vasotec can help slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- It is also used to improve survival rates in patients who have recently had a heart attack, particularly those with left ventricular dysfunction.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- By relaxing blood vessels, enalapril helps to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Vasotec helps the heart pump blood more efficiently, easing symptoms of heart failure and improving exercise tolerance.
- Enalapril has a protective effect on the kidneys, particularly in people with diabetes or hypertension.
- By controlling blood pressure and improving heart function, Vasotec helps prevent complications related to heart failure and high blood pressure, including stroke and kidney damage.
Direction of Use
- Vasotec is taken orally, usually in the form of tablets.
- The starting dose for hypertension is typically 5 mg once daily, but it may be adjusted based on individual needs and response to the medication. For heart failure or kidney protection, the dose may vary.
- It can be taken with or without food. It’s important to take Vasotec at the same time each day to help remember the dose.
Safety Concerns
- If you have low blood pressure or are on medications that lower blood pressure, Vasotec may cause it to drop too low, especially after the first dose.
- Vasotec can affect kidney function, so regular monitoring of kidney function through blood tests is advised.
- Vasotec may increase potassium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous and cause serious heart problems. Regular monitoring is recommended.
- Enalapril is contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of harm to the fetus.
Avoid Vasotec (Enalapril) If
- Enalapril can harm the fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.
- If you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the deeper layers of skin) or other allergic reactions to ACE inhibitors, Vasotec should be avoided.
- If you have severe renal (kidney) impairment, the use of Vasotec may worsen kidney function.
- If you have hyperkalemia (high potassium), taking Vasotec could worsen this condition, which can be life-threatening.
- If you are dehydrated or have low sodium levels, Vasotec could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, so caution is advised.
