Do not take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately. Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide may harm the fetus.
Why is this medicine prescribed?
The combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Enalapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
The combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once or twice a day. To help you remember to take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic); hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Microzide, Oretic); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); sulfa drugs; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren.
- some medications should not be taken with enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- the following nonprescription products may interact with enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); potassium supplements. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Do not start any of these medications while taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide without discussing with your healthcare provider.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, parathyroid, liver, or kidney disease; lupus; diabetes; allergies; asthma; gout; or angioedema (a condition that causes hives, difficulty breathing, and painful swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands, or feet).
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
- you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide worse.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- cough
- dizziness
- headache
- excessive tiredness
- muscle cramps
- decrease in sexual ability
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- lightheadedness
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dry mouth
- thirst
- weakness
- infrequent urination
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- fainting
- chest pain
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.