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|Vasotec

Vasotec

Vasotec is used for:

Treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart problems. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Vasotec is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by helping to relax blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Do NOT use Vasotec if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Vasotec or similar medicines (eg, captopril, lisinopril)
• you are pregnant
• you are taking dextran sulfate or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Vasotec :

Some medical conditions may interact with Vasotec . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have or have ever had liver or kidney problems or kidney transplantation
• if you are receiving dialysis
• if you have bone marrow suppression, low blood counts, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, porphyria (a blood disease), giant hives, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), scleroderma, or a collagen vascular disease
• if you have narrowing or hardening of the arteries of the brain or heart, chest pain, or discomfort known as angina

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Vasotec . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because excessive decreases in blood pressure may occur, which may cause dizziness, especially upon standing, or fainting
• Dextran sulfate because it may increase the risk of allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) and lightheadedness upon standing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, aspirin, indomethacin) because the effectiveness of Vasotec may be decreased and the risk of kidney damage may be increased
• Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased by Vasotec
• Oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because side effects, including a low blood sugar level (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Vasotec
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) may cause high blood potassium levels (eg, listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of the limbs, slow or irregular heartbeat, or stopping of the heart) when used with Vasotec

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Vasotec may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Vasotec :

Use Vasotec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Vasotec may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• If you miss a dose of Vasotec , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Vasotec .

Important safety information:

• Vasotec may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Vasotec with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Vasotec may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
• Vasotec may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Vasotec . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Vasotec before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood counts, may be performed while you use Vasotec . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not take Vasotec after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Vasotec is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Vasotec , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Vasotec :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome: Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; headache; nausea; persistent, dry cough; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; hoarseness; infection (fever, sore throat); irregular or slow heartbeat; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; weakness.

Store Vasotec at room temperature below 86 degrees (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Vasotec out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Vasotec , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Vasotec is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Vasotec . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.