One of the medications for high blood pressure is Enalapril. What is Enalapril? What is the difference between Enalapril and other blood pressure medications? Most important is knowing the enalapril side effects, what are they?
Enalapril Side Effects – What is Enalapril?
Enalaprial is the generic name for Vasotec. It can be used to treat many illnesses including hypertension, kidney problems, and also to improve heart attack victims chances of survival. The generic and branded versions are of course the same. It is one of the ACE (Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme) inhibitors.
So, the purpose of Enalapril? It is used to prevent the creation of Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a substance that can cause blood vessels to narrow, thicken and stiffen. It also sets off the release of a particular hormone connected with high levels of water and salt in the body.
enalapril side effects – Who Needs To Avoid Enalapril?
Pregnant women should under no circumstances take Enalapril. This medication can have adverse side effects during pregnancy and it can result in birth defects. If you become pregnant while using Enalapril, then stop taking it immediately and go and see your doctor or health care specialist. Please note that Enalapril is excreted through breast milk, so if you are breastfeeding your baby, never use this medication.
Obviously if you have previously suffered the side effects of Enalapril, you should not take it. If you are allergic to ACE inhibitors make sure that your doctor knows about this. If you are diagnosed with liver, kidney or heart disease, you should avoid this medication.
Enalapril Side Effects – Follow The Instructions Very Carefully
It is always vital to follow the instructions on the pack carefully. Never take larger doses or for longer than prescribed. Enalapril does not need to be taken with food but a large glass of water is essential.
Unless you are experiencing side effects, then you must not just stop taking Enalapril. If you feel better, you will need to continue to take them. High blood pressure has no real symptoms and so if you want to stop and start to feel adverse effects, then speak to your doctor.
Enalapril Side Effects – What Are Enalapril Side Effects?
It is very important to note, most medications do have side effects, and Enalapril is no exception. The most common is simply a dry cough.
There are some rarer Enalapril side effects. They include light-headedness, dizziness, rashes and a loss of appetite. It also increases the amount of potassium in the blood. Enalapril also effects taste, the taste of food as well as a complete loss of taste. Although this is not good it is not the worst side effect of Enalapril.
The worst side effect of Enalapril is known as Angioedema, whereby the lips and throat swell up. Angioedema is a rare side effect but patients taking Enalapril are four times more likely to come across it than any other ACE inhibitor. The side effects of Enalapril will last for a long time, up to a year.
Enalapril side effects are quite rare but do contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of them.
Often a cause of high blood pressure is stress, so by dealing with the stress in your life you may not need any medication at all. That is one sure fire way of avoiding Enalapril side effects!