- What is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for?
- What are the side effects of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
- What is the dosage for enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
- Is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
What is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for?
Vaseretic is a combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the muscles surrounding the arteries in the body to contract, thereby narrowing the arteries and elevating the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as enalapril (Vasotec) lower blood pressure by preventing the formation of angiotensin II thereby relaxing the arteries.
HCTZ is a diuretic (water pill) used for treating high blood pressure and accumulation of fluid. It works by blocking salt and water reabsorption in the kidneys, thus causing increased urine output (diuresis). The mechanism of its action in lowering high blood pressure is not well understood. The combination of enalapril and HCTZ reduces blood pressure better than either drug alone. The FDA approved Vaseretic in October 1986.
What brand names are available for enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
Vaseretic
Is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
Yes
What are the side effects of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
The side effects of the Vaseretic are similar to the side effects of the individual component drugs:
- A dry, persistent cough has been reported commonly with the use of ACE inhibitors. Coughing resolves after discontinuing the medication.
Other side effects include of ACE inhibitors include:
- abdominal pain,
- diarrhea,
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- loss of appetite,
- nausea and vomiting,
- chest pain,
- fainting,
- sexual dysfunction,
- increased potassium levels,
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet,
- rash, and
- a sore or swollen throat.
In rare instances
- liver dysfunction and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE inhibitors.
- In susceptible individuals ACE inhibitors may reduce kidney function. Enalapril may cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat).
Side effects of HCTZ include:
- weakness,
- low blood pressure,
- sunlight sensitivity,
- impotence,
- nausea,
- abdominal pain,
- electrolyte disturbances,
- pancreatitis,
- jaundice,
- anaphylaxis, and
- rashes, both mild and severe.
Patients allergic to sulfa may also be allergic to HCTZ because of the similarity in the chemical structure of the medications.
QUESTION
See AnswerWhat is the dosage for enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
Patients who have not adequately responded to enalapril or HCTZ alone may be started on 10/25 mg/mg of Vaseretic. The dose may be increased after 2-3 weeks if adequate. The maximum dose is 2 tablets of 10/25 mg/mg once daily.
Is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, should be avoided in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide?
What preparations of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide are available?
Tablets (mg enalapril/mg HCTZ): 5/12.5 and 10/25
How should I keep enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide stored?
Vaseretic should be stored at 15C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F) and protected from excessive light and humidity.
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Summary
Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (Vaseretic) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Related Disease Conditions
-
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs due to the tightening or stiffness of very small arteries called arterioles. As a result, the heart pumps harder through the stiff or narrow arterioles, leading to elevated pressure inside the vessels. Hypertension is known as 'the silent killer' because it often goes unnoticed and may cause serious complications such as kidney diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke.
-
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, or medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure include sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis. Post-renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones. Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
-
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue.
-
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to a condition in which the heart loses the ability to function properly. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathies are just a few potential causes of congestive heart failure. Symptoms of congestive heart failure may include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, angina, and edema.
-
Heart Attack
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the sudden blockage of a coronary artery, usually because of blood clot, causes damage and death to heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest discomfort often described as a pain, pressure or tightness associated with shortness of breath, sweating and nausea.
-
Things to Know About High Blood Pressure Treatment
High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
-
Sun-Sensitive Drugs
Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and sunlight. The effect on the skin is redness, which looks similar to a sunburn. Generally, these reactions are either phototoxic or photoallergic. Phototoxic drugs are more common than photoallergic drugs. Symptoms of phototoxic reactions are a burning and stinging sensation and then redness. Symptoms of photoallergic reactions are itching, redness, swelling, and blisters of the affected area. Treatment generally is the discontinuation of the medication and topical application of creams. Treatment generally is the discontinuation of the medication and topical application of creams.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- ACE Inhibitors
- Drug Interactions
- hydrochlorothiazide
- lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis) ACE Inhibitor
- trandolapril (Mavik)
- ramipril
- lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic, Prinzide)
- captopril (Capoten)
- enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned)
- benazepril (Lotensin HTC)
- Side Effects of Vasotec (enalapril)
- benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide (Lotensin HCT)
- quinapril (Accupril)
- captopril and hydrochlorothiazide (Capozide)
- fosinopril sodium, Monopril
- Side Effects of Vaseretic (enalapril/hydrochlorothiazide)
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.