Drugs Information Online
Drugs and diseases reference index
 |
EN |
en-AL-a-pril MAL-ee-ate, fe-LOE-di-peen
When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, ACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, enalapril maleate/felodipine should be discontinued as soon as possible .
ACE inhibitors can cause injury or death to the developing fetus when used during the second and third trimesters. Stop therapy as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected .
Commonly used brand name(s):
In the U.S.
Available Dosage Forms:
Therapeutic Class: ACE Inhibitor/Calcium Channel Blocker Combination
Pharmacologic Class: Enalapril
Chemical Class: Dihydropyridine
Enalapril and felodipine combination belongs to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives). enalapril and felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
The exact way in which enalapril and felodipine works is not known. Enalapril is a type of medicine known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme in the body that is necessary in producing a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. Felodipine is a type of medicine known as a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blocking agents affect the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. The actions of both medicines relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
enalapril and felodipine was available only with your doctor's prescription.
Enalapril and felodipine combination was discontinued by the manufacturer on July 2, 2008.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For enalapril and felodipine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to enalapril and felodipine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Studies on enalapril and felodipine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of enalapril and felodipine in children with use in other age groups.
Although enalapril and felodipine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults, blood levels of the felodipine component may be increased in the elderly.
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Trimester | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
| 2nd Trimester | D | Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk. |
| 3rd Trimester | D | Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk. |
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Using enalapril and felodipine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using enalapril and felodipine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Using enalapril and felodipine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use enalapril and felodipine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of enalapril and felodipine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Take enalapril and felodipine exactly as directed by your doctor, at the same time each day. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than directed.
Swallow the tablets whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing them.
If felodipine is taken with grapefruit juice, its effects may be increased. Check with your doctor before taking enalapril and felodipine with grapefruit juice.
The dose of enalapril and felodipine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of enalapril and felodipine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
If you miss a dose of enalapril and felodipine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to make sure the medicine is working properly, to check for unwanted effects, and to change the dosage if needed.
If you think that you may have become pregnant, check with your doctor immediately. Use of enalapril and felodipine, especially during the second and third trimesters (after the first 3 months) of pregnancy, may cause serious injury or even death to the unborn child.
Do not take any other medicines, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium unless approved or prescribed by your doctor.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to the medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other things that could be dangerous if you experience these effects.
Call your doctor if you faint or feel lightheaded while you are taking enalapril and felodipine.
Check with your doctor if you notice any signs of fever, sore throat, or chills. These could be symptoms of an infection developing as a result of low white blood cell counts.
Check with your doctor if you notice difficult breathing or swelling of the face, arms, or legs. These could be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Check with your doctor if you become sick while taking enalapril and felodipine, especially with severe or continuing vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water, possibly resulting in low blood pressure.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra care during exercise or hot weather.
Black patients may be less sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of enalapril and felodipine. In addition, the risk of a serious allergic reaction involving swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet may be increased.
Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking enalapril and felodipine.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:
Less commonSome side effects 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:
More commonOther side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
The information contained in the Thomson Healthcare (Micromedex) products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.
The use of the Thomson Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Healthcare products.