Health Library

Enalapril

(eh-NAL-uh-pril, eh-NAL-uh-pril-at)

Enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned) belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to treat mild to severe high blood pressure as well as congestive heart failure. It is available in a tablet, an intravenous (IV) form and a liquid solution.

Special Instructions

• Give this medication only as directed, and do not stop unless directed to stop by your child's doctor.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• Limit salt substitutes and other foods high in potassium. Do not use a salt substitute without the doctor's advice.
• Limit or avoid natural licorice, which can cause the body to retain sodium and water.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package.
• Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
• If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
• If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

If Your Child Misses a Dose

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider.

For more medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.

Possible Side Effects of Medication

• Trouble breathing or chest tightness
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Excessive sweating, diarrhea or vomiting
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or face
• Swelling of the legs or belly
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes
• Significant weight gain

Call Your Child's Doctor If:

Call if your child is having any side effects, especially:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face, hands, feet or ankles
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or other condition causing dehydration, since this may lower blood pressure
• Excessive sweating
• Persistent cough
• Fainting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Fever, or other signs of infection