ENALAPRILAT-INJECTABLE, Vasotec IV

BRAND NAME(S): Vasotec IV

Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm (sometimes death) if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and contact your physician immediately.

USES: Enalaprilat is an injectable form of the oral drug, enalapril. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure when patients cannot take the oral form of this medication. Enalaprilat works by blocking an enzyme in the body called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This enzyme produces a chemical that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to help prevent kidney problems in diabetics.

HOW TO USE: Inject this medication directly into a vein (IV) over 5 minutes or give IV over at least 5 minutes mixed in a dextrose- containing (e.g., D5W) or saline solution (NS) usually every 6 hours; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For details regarding mixing instructions, consult a pharmacist. You may be switched to an oral form of this drug when you are able to take medication by mouth. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, dry cough, or rash may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, tingling of the hands/feet, vision problems (e.g., blurred vision or eye discomfort). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fever, joint or muscle pain. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, low sodium (hyponatremia) or swelling problems, diabetes, dehydration, any allergies (especially to other ACE inhibitor drugs such as captopril or lisinopril). This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low-salt products. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: "water pills" (potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiodarone, spironolactone, and triamterene and non-potassium-sparing diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), potassium supplements, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen), lithium, trimethoprim-containing medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), azathioprine, other drugs for high blood pressure. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Have your blood pressure checked regularly while using this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., potassium levels, creatinine) may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

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STORAGE: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).