Vaseretic Medication - Uses & Side Effects

ENALAPRIL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (Vaseretic®) is a combination of two drugs used to lower blood pressure. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. By lowering blood pressure, enalapril; hydrochlorothiazide can help reduce your risk of having damage to your kidneys, heart, or other organs. This medicine does not cure high blood pressure. Generic enalapril; hydrochlorothiazide tablets are available.

Vaseretic Dosage

• The doctor will adjust your dosage until your blood pressure is in the desired range. If you are taking the 5 milligrams enalapril/12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide combination, the maximum daily dosage is 4 tablets. For the 10/25 combination, the maximum is 2 tablets.
• Your doctor will prescribe Vaseretic cautiously, starting with small doses.

Uses of Vaseretic

• Hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Enalapril is used to lower blood pressure and to relieve the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath and swelling of the legs.

Side Effects of Vaseretic

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Vaseretic. Side effects may include:

• Cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drop in blood pressure upon standing up
• fatigue
• headache
• impotence
• low potassium levels (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps)
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• rash
• tingling or pins and needles
• weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Vaseretic:

• If you develop swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat; swelling of your arms and legs; or difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
• If you are taking bee or wasp venom to prevent an allergic reaction to stings, you may have a severe allergic reaction to Vaseretic.
• If you develop chest pain, a sore throat, or fever you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.
• If you are taking Vaseretic, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done. Kidney function should continue to be monitored. Some people on dialysis have had a severe allergic reaction to Vaseretic.
• If you have liver disease or lupus erythematosus (a form of rheumatism), Vaseretic should be used with caution.
• If your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, stop taking Vaseretic and notify your doctor at once.
• If you have severe congestive heart failure, you should be carefully watched for low blood pressure.
• Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.
• Vaseretic can cause some people to become drowsy or less alert. If it has this effect on you, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

Drug Interaction :- If Vaseretic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vaseretic with the following:

• Alcohol
  
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
  
• Certain other antihypertensives
  
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone
  
• Digitalis (Lanoxin)
  
• Insulin
  
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithonate)
  
• Narcotics (Percocet)
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn, Advil, and ibuprofen
  
• Norepinephrine
  
• Oral antidiabetic drugs such as Micronase
  
• Potassium supplements (K-Lyte, K-Tab, others)
  
• Potassium-containing salt substitutes
  
• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Midamor

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a Vaseretic overdose may include:

• Dehydration
• low blood pressure
• increased urination
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fainting
• weakness
• fatigue
• unconsciousness.