What is the most important information I should know about Vasotec?

• Do not take Vasotec if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Vasotec can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Vasotec may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Vasotec, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Vasotec.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Vasotec may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Vasotec. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.

What is Vasotec?

• Vasotec is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
• Vasotec is used to lower blood pressure and to prevent and treat heart failure.
• Vasotec may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vasotec?

• Vasotec may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Vasotec, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Vasotec.
• Before taking Vasotec, tell your doctor if you
  • have kidney disease;
  • have liver disease;
  • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
  • are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone);
  • have diabetes;
  • have scleroderma or lupus; or
  • have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke.
• You may not be able to take Vasotec, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Vasotec is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Vasotec is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Vasotec can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take Vasotec if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Vasotec passes into breast milk. Do not use Vasotec without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Vasotec?

• Take Vasotec exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not stop taking Vasotec without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become worse.
• Store Vasotec at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an Vasotec overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking Vasotec?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Vasotec may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Vasotec.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Vasotec except under the direction of your doctor.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Vasotec. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Vasotec?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Vasotec and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • difficulty breathing;
  • little or no urine;
  • chest pain;
  • severe dizziness or fainting; or
  • signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Vasotec and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • mild dizziness or lightheadedness;
  • headache;
  • dry, tickling cough;
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs;
  • nausea or diarrhea;
  • weakness or fatigue; or
  • a rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Vasotec?

• Before taking Vasotec, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
  • salt substitutes that contain potassium;
  • any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);
  • any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others; or
  • lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).
• You may not be able to take Vasotec, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Vasotec or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.