Prescription Required
Description
Vaseretic is an oral pill consisting of two drugs; a thiazide diuretic/water pill called hydrochlorothiazide and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) called enalapril. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 5mg/12.5mg and 10mg/25mg!
Vaseretic is prescribed to patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) to help lower it back to normal. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of your blood vessels and when that force is high, it causes your heart to have to work harder which can cause damage. A big factor of high blood pressure is narrow blood vessels; when blood vessels are narrow, less blood can flow through, which makes blood flow less smoothly. If hypertension goes untreated for too long, a person risks health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, the main active ingredients in Vaseretic, both have their own important part to play in treating high blood pressure. Enalapril is the ACE inhibitor in the medication and hydrochlorothiazide is the diuretic. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by first reducing pressure in the vessels and creating easier blood flow throughout the body. This is done by widening the blood vessels. Water pills (diuretics) retain potassium in your body and allow your kidneys to release sodium into your urine. When your urine contains a high level of sodium, more water from your blood is taken with it. This will reduce the amount of fluid in your arteries and veins thus reducing blood pressure.
Directions
You should only take this medication the way that you have been directed to by your doctor. It is important to follow his or her directions to achieve the full effect of the medication and to avoid adverse interactions. Directions given by your doctor can commonly be found on the prescription label. If you are still unsure on how to take this medication, call your health care professionals.
Take Vaseretic with or without food once a day, or as directed by your doctor. Try not to take your dose to close to bedtime, as it may cause you to have to get up throughout the night to urinate.
If you also take a certain bile acid-binding cholesterol medication: Take Vaseretic at least 3 – 4 hours before taking the bile acid-binding medication. Taking them around the same general time can cause ineffectiveness in this treatment.
Cautions
Do not use Vaseretic (enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide)
This medication should not be used by those who are allergic to enalapril, hydrochlorothiazide, other ACE inhibitors or sulfa drugs or if you are unable to urinate, have had angioedema, or you recently took a heart medicine called sacubitril.
If you have recently taken any medications that contains sacubitril in the last or in the next 36 hours; do not take Vaseretic.
If you have diabetes or kidney disease, do not use this medication with any other medications that may contain aliskiren.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma or allergies, kidney disease, cirrhosis or other liver disease, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, gout, an electrolyte imbalance, lupus, if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are on a low salt diet.
Risks
If you become pregnant while on this medication; tell your doctor and discontinue use of Vaseretic right away. This drug can harm the unborn baby and may even terminate the pregnancy.
Do not breast feed while using this medication.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Vaseretic (enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide) may include:
dizziness; cough; headache; or nausea.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Vaseretic (enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide) may include:
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, mouth sores.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
kidney problems: little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
new or worsening symptoms of lupus: joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight; or
electrolyte imbalance: leg cramps, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, loss of movement.
FAQs
How long till I notice the full benefit of Vaseretic?
You should notice the full benefit of the drug around several weeks of treatment.
What should I avoid while using this medication?
While being treated with Vaseretic, you should avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated in hot weather, during exercise, or by not drinking enough fluids.
Can I drink alcohol while using this medication?
It is recommended you do not consume alcohol while being treated with Vaseretic because it may increase the risk of side effects.
What are signs of an overdose on Vaseretic?
Signs of an overdose include thirst, feeling light-headed, or fainting. If you suspect an overdose is occurring, contact emergency medical services right away.
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