Vasotec Side Effects

Generic name: enalapril

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Vasotec Side Effects associated with enalapril. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Vasotec.

Applies to enalapril: oral solution, oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

You should not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®) within 36 hours of each other.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting). This could be a symptom of a condition called intestinal angioedema.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position or if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you or your child know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Check with your doctor if you have a fever, chills, or sore throat. These could be symptoms of an infection resulting from low white blood cells.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: abdominal or stomach pain, confusion, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, shortness of breath, or weakness or heaviness of the legs. Do not use supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without first checking with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Vasotec

Along with its needed effects, enalapril (the active ingredient contained in Vasotec) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking enalapril:

Other side effects of Vasotec

Some side effects of enalapril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to enalapril: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral liquid, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects included congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cough, dizziness, postural dizziness, fatigue, headache, hypotension, hypertension, hyperkalemia, microalbuminuria, and vomiting.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Angina pectoris, chest pain, edema, hypotension, myocardial infarction, orthostatic hypotension, rhythm disturbances, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing, palpitation, Raynaud's phenomenon
• Frequency not reported: Atrial tachycardia, atrial bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, vasculitis

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, angioedema, diaphoresis, erythema multiforme, hyperhidrosis, pemphigus, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Erythroderma, exfoliative dermatitis
• Frequency not reported: Dermatologic manifestations, erythema with vasculitis, photosensitivity, severe skin reactions

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, dry mouth, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, gastric irritation, ileus, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, stomatitis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Aphthous ulceration, glossitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Intestinal angioedema
• Frequency not reported: Melena

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Impotence

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, aplastic anemia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, hemolysis, lymphadenopathy, neutropenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic failure, hepatitis either hepatocellular or cholestatic, jaundice
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hepatitis including necrosis, increased liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin, cholestasis
• Frequency not reported: Fulminant hepatic necrosis

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Angioneurotic edema, angioneurotic edema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Photosensitivity, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, intestinal angioedema

Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema may be fatal.

Immunologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Autoimmune diseases

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle cramps
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgias or arthritis and myalgias or myositis, flank pain

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, postural dizziness, syncope, taste alteration, vertigo
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cerebrovascular accident, insomnia, paresthesia, somnolence, tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Anosmia, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy (dysesthesia)

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Blurred vision
• Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis, dry eyes, tearing

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, orthostatic effects
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fever, increased blood urea nitrogen, malaise
• Frequency not reported: Death, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, herpes zoster, positive ANA (Antinuclear antibody), serositis

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusion, dream abnormality, nervousness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Sleep disorders

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased serum creatinine and potassium, microalbuminuria, urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Oliguria, proteinuria, renal failure, renal dysfunction

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, dyspnea, pneumonia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma, bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltrates, rhinorrhea, sore throat and hoarseness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic alveolitis, eosinophilic pneumonitis, rhinitis
• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary embolism and infarction, pulmonary edema, upper respiratory infection

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Do ACE inhibitors make COVID-19 worse?

Further information

Vasotec side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer