Enalapril and Felodipine (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING

Do not take enalapril and felodipine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking enalapril and felodipine, call your doctor immediately.

Why this medication is prescribed

The combination of enalapril and felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. It also relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard.This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

The combination of enalapril and felodipine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take enalapril and felodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Enalapril and felodipine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take enalapril and felodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking enalapril and felodipine without talking to your doctor.

Special precautions

Before taking enalapril and felodipine:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to enalapril, felodipine (Plendil), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antiseizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenobarbital; aspirin or other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); other medications for high blood pressure; potassium supplements; ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 24), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; or angioedema, a condition that causes hives, difficulty breathing, and painful swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands, or feet.
• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Enalapril and felodipine may pass into breast milk and harm infants. Talk to your doctor about stopping to breast-feed if you take enalapril and felodipine.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking enalapril and felodipine.

Special dietary instructions

Take enalapril and felodipine without food or with a light meal.

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking enalapril and felodipine.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Enalapril and felodipine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• swelling
• cough
• excessive tiredness
• flushing (feeling of warmth)
• sore throat
• enlargement of gum tissue around teeth
• rapid heartbeat

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to enalapril and felodipine.

Good dental hygiene decreases the chance and severity of gum swelling. Brush your teeth regularly and schedule dental cleanings for every 6 months.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Lexxel®