- 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
Salt and sodium are the same. 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.
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
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms. Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure. The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater. If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
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Kidney (Renal) 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.
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Diabetes (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. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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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. Signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure may include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, angina, and edema. Physical examination, patient history, blood tests, and imaging tests are used to diagnose congestive heart failure. Treatment of heart failure consists of lifestyle modification and taking medications to decrease fluid in the body and ease the strain on the heart. The prognosis of a patient with congestive heart failure depends on the stage of the heart failure and the overall condition of the individual.
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Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack occurs when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. Learn about warning signs, causes, complications, risk factors, and treatment.
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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.
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Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to 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.
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Heart Attack Prevention
Heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and stress management. Symptoms of heart attack in men and women include chest discomfort and pain in the shoulder, neck, jaw, stomach, or back.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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Medications & Supplements
- ACE Inhibitors
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis) ACE Inhibitor
- hydrochlorothiazide
- ramipril (Altace)
- trandolapril (Mavik)
- benazepril (Lotensin HTC)
- captopril (Capoten)
- enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned)
- lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic, Prinzide)
- quinapril (Accupril)
- benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide (Lotensin HCT)
- fosinopril sodium, Monopril
- captopril and hydrochlorothiazide (Capozide)
- Side Effects of Vasotec (enalapril)
- 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.