diltiazem-enalapril Information - Drugs and Treatments

What is diltiazem and enalapril?

Diltiazem is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Diltiazem relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for your heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Enalapril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Enalapril prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).

The combination, diltiazem and enalapril, is used to lower blood pressure and to prevent and treat heart failure.

Diltiazem and enalapril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diltiazem and enalapril?

Before taking diltiazem and enalapril, tell your doctor if you

have liver disease;
have kidney disease;
have diabetes;
have a collagen vascular disorder;
have another disease of the heart or blood vessels, such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, congestive heart failure, heart block, or low blood pressure; or
are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may not be able to take diltiazem and enalapril, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Diltiazem and enalapril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that diltiazem and enalapril is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ACE inhibitors (enalapril) can cause injury and even death of the developing fetus.

Do not

take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

It is not known whether diltiazem and enalapril passes into breast milk. Do not use diltiazem and enalapril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take diltiazem and enalapril?

Take diltiazem and enalapril 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 break, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the pills whole.

Do not be alarmed if you see what looks like a tablet in your stool. The tablets are made to release from an outer shell which is then eliminated in the stool.

Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become much worse.

Store diltiazem and enalapril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of diltiazem and enalapril?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.

Do not

take a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about diltiazem and enalapril?

Your pharmacist has information about diltiazem and enalapril written for health professionals that you may read.

What should I avoid while taking diltiazem and enalapril?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diltiazem and enalapril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. 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 diltiazem and enalapril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking diltiazem and enalapril, except under the supervision 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 diltiazem and enalapril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What other drugs will affect diltiazem and enalapril?

Before taking diltiazem and enalapril, 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), and amiloride (Midamor);
any other diuretic (water pill), such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others;
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), acebutolol (Sectral), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), carvedilol (Coreg), and others;
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) or ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac-75); or
carbamazepine (Tegretol).

You may not be able to take diltiazem and enalapril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diltiazem and enalapril or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.



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diltiazem-enalapril

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

What is diltiazem and enalapril?