enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, Vaseretic (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

View Full Profile

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

PREGNANCY: When used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy ACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the fetus. Vaseretic should not be used during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, should be avoided in nursing mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: 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 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.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.