What is the most important information I should know about diltiazem and enalapril?
Do not take
diltiazem and
enalapril if you are
pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used
during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy,
ACE inhibitors (enalapril) can cause injury and
even death to the developing
fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves. If you stop taking your
medication, your condition could become much worse.
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.
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 adverse effects.
Do not break, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the pills whole.
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.
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