Enapril HT (Enalapril 10mg / Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg)

What is Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide?

Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medicine for hypertension (high blood pressure) that contains two active ingredients, Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide. Enalapril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor drug that lowers blood pressure by dilating (expanding) blood vessels thereby improving blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that stops the body from absorbing too much salt which can lead to fluid retention. 
This medicine is marketed and sold under several brands, a couple of which are Vaseretic and Enaprril HT (made by Intas).

Important Information about Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide

Do not take Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide (Vaseretic, Enapril HT) if you are allergic to Enalapril, Hydrochlorothiazide, or to any other ACE inhibitor such as benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, moexipril, an others. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: heart disease or congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, lupus, gout, glaucoma diabetes, asthma, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin. Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide is categorized under FDA pregnancy category D. You must not take this medicine if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in the second or third trimester. Use of effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. It is not known whether Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about safely taking this medicine if you are breast feeding a baby. While taking this medication, watch out for conditions which cause very low blood pressure such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heart disease, a low salt diet, dialysis, or if you take diuretics. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on the amount of fluids to be taken. Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine, unless or otherwise directed by your doctor.

Before taking Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide

Before taking Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide (Vaseretic, Enapril HT), inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions: heart disease or congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, lupus, gout, glaucoma diabetes, asthma, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin. 

How should I take Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide?

Take Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide strictly according to your doctor’s directions or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

In case you miss a dose of Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as you remember it. However, skip the missed dose if the time to take the next scheduled dose is near.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide, get emergency medical attention or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose may result in nausea, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, muscle pain or weakness, or feeling like you might pass out.


Things and Activities to avoid while taking Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide

Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Do not become overheated or dehydrated during exercise and hot weather. Follow your doctor’s directions about the type and amount of fluids you should drink. Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or regular use of salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects

Some common side effects of Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide are dizziness, light headedness, swelling of the ankles or feet, or flushing. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away. A serious side effect is unlikely. However, if you get any serious side effect like fast, irregular or rapid heartbeat, or fainting, or any other serious side effect, seek medical attention immediately.The set of side effects mentioned above is not a complete set of all possible side effects that you may experience or witness due to Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away. You may also report your side effects to the FDA by calling their toll free number 1800-FDA-1088.

Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide Dosing Information

Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Many other drugs can interact with Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially gold injections for arthritis, lithium, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), steroids, cholestyramine, colestipol, insulin, oral diabetes medicines, a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or a diuretic. However, these are not the only interacting drugs that can interact with Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide. There may be others. Do not start taking or using any medications without proper prescription from a doctor.