hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril Health Article

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Enalapril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Enalapril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• asthma;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrochlorothiazide and enalapril.