VASERETIC (ENALAPRIL/HCTZ)

Vaseretic Description

Vaseretic or generic Enalapril/HCTZ is called an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor and is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and certain types of heart failure. In the cases where certain people do not respond well enough to ACE inhibitors alone, Vaseretic may be recommended as HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) is part of this combination drug. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Enalapril and HCTZ Work to Reduce Blood Pressure

Angiotensin converting enzyme constricts your blood vessels causing your heart to work harder to try and pass the restricted flow of blood through the blood vessels. This action creates extreme pressure on the walls of your blood vessels and results in raised blood pressure. Extra fluid in your blood stream can contribute to hypertension as well.

Enalapril works to slow the enzyme ACE in order to decrease the production of angiotensin II , which is a powerful chemical formed from angiotensin I. As a result of inhibiting this activity the blood vessels dilate and blood flow is restored so blood pressure is reduced. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that reduces the amount of fluid in the body by increasing the urine output to get rid of excess water and salt.

Vaseretic Uses

Vaseretic can help to bring hypertension under control before it leads to serious problems like kidney disease, heart attack or failure, and stroke. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and over time can lead to damaged blood vessels throughout the body. If blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, excess fluid can build up and wastes may not be removed fully. Healthy kidneys take creatinine, a waste product formed by the normal breakdown of muscle cells, created out of the blood and deposits it into the urine where it exits the body.

Heart failure is caused by the inability of the heart to pump or fill with enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The end result is the kidneys responding to a decreased blood supply so it retains water and sodium causing fluid build-up and possible congestive heart failure.

Before Vaseretic is Prescribed to You

Before receiving a prescription to buy Vaseretic, advise your doctor of all medical conditions or allergies you have, as well as any Rx and OTC medications you may be taking to be sure you will not experience any adverse effects. Ask your doctor if Vaseretic is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding.

Vaseretic Precautions

You should not drive or perform any tasks that require mental alertness until you know how Vaseretic affects you. Vaseretic may affect your potassium or blood sugar levels. This should be monitored by your physician with regular blood tests and possibly a change to your meds if you are diabetic.

Possible Side Effects of Vaseretic

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Tiredness