ACE Inhibitor

Recently Answered

• QWhat should I know about enalapril and felodipine before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Lexxel, the prescription drug combination of Enalapril and Felodipine, was used to treat high blood pressure. This combination is no longer available as Astra-Zeneca, the only manufacturers of Lexxel, discontinued the medicine in 2008.

  Angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like enalapril should not be taken during pregnancy as they may cause death to the fetus or serious birth defects.
  Before you takeEnalapril and Felodipine, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins, and supplements, to avoid any medication interactions.Also be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have since Enalapril and Felodipine is not safe for everyone. People with bone marrow problems, with kidney failure who do not produce urine, who are allergic to ACE inhibitors, felodipine or medications like felodipine, or who have ever had angioedema (any unusual swelling of the face, neck, head, lips or tongue) should not use Enalapril and Felodipine.

  Enalapril and Felodipine should be used carefully, in people with diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, organ transplant, lupus, narrowing of blood vessels to kidney, liver failure, asthma, or lupus. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their doctor about whether the benefits of Enalapril and Felodipine outweigh the possible risk to the baby. You can get dehydrated while you are taking Enalapril and Felodipine, so be sure to get enough liquids. Be careful when you are taking this medicine not to stand up too quickly or you might get dizzy.

• QWhat are angiotensin receptor blockers for heart failure management?

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  A Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are sometimes prescribed as first-line therapy for people with heart failure. They can benefit people with all types of heart failure when ACE inhibitors are not well tolerated.
  
  Many ARBs are available in the US. These include azilsartan (Edarbi), candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan). Only candesartan is FDA-approved for treating heart failure.
   
  ARBs work by blocking the harmful effects of the hormone angiotensin 2. This lowers blood pressure and prevents the kidneys from retaining too much sodium and water. ARBs also prevent the constriction of blood vessels and improve the function of the heart.
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
• QWhat are angiotensin receptor blockers for coronary artery disease?

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  A Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) block the hormone angiotensin 2. This limits the amount of sodium and water retained by the kidneys. ARBs also relax the arteries. This promotes better blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
  
  Many ARBs are available in the US. These include azilsartan (Edarbi), candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan). 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
• QHow effective are angiotensin receptor blockers for heart failure?

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  A Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  ARBs are sometimes considered as alternatives to ACE inhibitors for people with heart failure after a heart attack. An ARB is sometimes added to treatment for people with reduced ejection fraction who are taking ACE inhibitors or beta blockers, but still have symptoms. ARBs may be a better choice than aldosterone blockers for people with poor kidney function or high blood potassium.
  
  The combination of an ARB and an ACE inhibitor increases the risk of low blood pressure, high blood potassium, and impaired kidney function. This drug combination is not recommended for people who have had a recent heart attack and have left ventricular dysfunction. The combined use of an ACE inhibitor, ARB, and aldosterone blocker should be avoided in all people with heart failure.
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
• QWhat are the side effects of captopril-hydrochlorothiazide?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Serious side effects of captopril-hydrochlorothiazide include:
  

  • chest pain
  • breathing problems
  • lightheadedness
  • faintness
  • swollen glands
  • muscle cramps
  • dizziness
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • cough
  • nausea and vomiting
  • confusion
  • problems with urination
  • flu symptoms
  •  high or low potassium levels
  • blistering of the skin
  • increased gout pain

  Seek medical attention if you experience any of these side effects.
  
  Less serious side effects include:
  

  • itchy skin
  • muscle stiffness or pain
  • joint pain
  • rash
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • change in your ability to taste

  Contact your doctor if any of these side effects are persistent or troubling.
  
  An allergic reaction to captopril-hydrochlorothiazide is serious and requires immediate medical attention. Signs include:
  

  • hives
  • difficulty breathing
  • acute stomach pain
  • swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
• QWhat should I know about captopril-hydrochlorothiazide before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The drugs that can interact with captopril-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) include:

  • other diuretics
  • salt substitutes
  • alcoholic drinks
  • barbiturates
  • diabetes medications
  • gout medications
  • ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS
  • potassium supplements
  • cholesterol-lowering medications
  • lithium
  • prescription pain medications
  • muscle relaxers
  • blood thinners
  • calcium supplements
  • digoxin
  • methenamine
  • angina medication
  • certain antidepressants
  • prednisone and other corticosteroids
  • amphotericin B

  Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before starting treatment with captopril-HCTZ. Women who are pregnant should not take captopril-HCTZ, as it has been known to cause birth defects. This drug may not be the best choice for you if you have asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes, gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus or an allergy to sulfa drugs. Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning while using captopril-HCTZ, as it causes increased susceptibility to sunburn. Because this medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how your body reacts.
  
  

• QWhat is captopril and hydrochlorothiazide?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a combination drug used to treat people with high blood pressure. The diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, keeps the body from retaining water, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril, stops the body from producing enzymes that normally cause arteries to constrict. The combination of these two drugs relaxes the arteries and reduces the amount of fluid that the heart needs to pump, which lowers blood pressure. Captopril-HCTZ is available under the brand name Capozide.
  
  
• QWhat are the side effects of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Serious side effects of captopril-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) include: chest pain, breathing problems, lightheadedness, faintness, swollen glands, muscle cramps, dizziness, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the eyes and skin, cough, nausea and vomiting, confusion, problems with urination, flu-like symptoms, high or low potassium levels, blistering of the skin and increased gout pain. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these side effects. Less serious side effects include: itchy skin, muscle stiffness or pain, joint pain, rash, headaches, blurred vision and a change in your ability to taste. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects are persistent or troubling. An allergic reaction to captopril-HCTZ is serious and requires immediate medical attention. Signs include: hives, difficulty breathing, acute stomach pain and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.
  
  
• QWhat are the side effects of trandolapril?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Serious allergic side effects of taking trandolapril will cause your face, lips, tongue and throat to swell, making it difficult to breathe. Stop using trandolapril and get immediate emergency help if this occurs. Some other serious side effects of using trandolapril include: lightheadedness, fainting, decreased or no urination, fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, feeling tired, muscle weakness, pounding or irregular heartbeats, chest pain, swelling and rapid weight gain. Continue using your medication, but talk to your doctor about side effects, such as cough, muscle pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, insomnia, nausea, upset stomach, mild skin itching or rash.
  
  
• QWhat should I know about trandolapril before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Drink lots of water while you are taking trandolapril and be careful not to become dehydrated, as this can decrease blood pressure and cause an imbalance in electrolytes. Never use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while taking trandolapril, unless instructed by your doctor. Do not drink alcohol while using trandolapril, as this can decrease your blood pressure to dangerous levels. You should not take trandolapril if you are pregnant; it is harmful to the fetus. You should not nurse your baby while taking trandolapril; it passes through breast milk. You should not take trandolapril if you are allergic to angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors. Missed doses should be taken as soon as you remember, unless it is too close to your next dose. In that case you should just skip the missed dose and get back on your regular schedule. Trandolapril will work more efficiently if you do not miss any doses and stay on a regular schedule. Alert your doctor to any medical issues you may have such as heart disease or congestive heart failure. If you have diabetes or connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor should be made aware. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver issues. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Trandolapril can be taken with or without food. You will have to have regular blood tests so your doctor can monitor adverse effects. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly as well. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel okay. You should store trandolapril at room temperature. Some other medications that may interact with trandolapril are lithium, gold injections (arthritis treatments), potassium supplements, salt substitutes, and diuretics. You should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and any over-the-counter medications. If you take too much trandolapril, get emergency help immediately.