Vaseretic belongs to the class of medicines called antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicines). Vaseretic 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

Vaseretic contains two active ingredients, enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Enalapril belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors, which block the action of a chemical in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally, ACE produces another chemical, angiotensin. Thus enalapril reduces the amount of angiotensin in the blood.

Angiotensin has two actions. Firstly it acts on blood vessels to make them narrow and secondly it acts on the kidney to produce less urine. As enalapril stops the production of angiotensin, these actions are reversed.

Take Vaseretic exactly as prescribed by the doctor

ADULTS
The doctor will adjust your dosage until your blood pressure is in the desired range. If you are taking the 5 milligrams enalapril/12.5 milligrams hydrochlorothiazide combination, the maximum daily dosage is 4 tablets. For the 10/25 combination, the maximum is 2 tablets.

CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Vaseretic in children have not been established.

OLDER ADULTS
Your doctor will prescribe Vaseretic cautiously, starting with small

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. indomethacin, may reduce the effect of enalapril on lowering blood pressure.

Vaseretic if taken together with potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium containing salt substitutes there is an increased risk of raised blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia). These should only be used with frequent monitoring of blood potassium levels.

Vaseretic when taken together with medicines that decrease blood pressure there is an increased risk of a large drop in blood pressure.

Vaseretic

Most Important Fact about Vaseretic
You must take Vaseretic regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Vaseretic ; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Vaseretic does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Vaseretic precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Vaseretic should not be used during pregnancy, as it may be harmful

More common side effects of Vaseretic may include:

• cough,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• drop in blood pressure upon standing up,
• fatigue,
• headache,
• impotence,
• low potassium levels (leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps),
• muscle cramps,
• nausea,
• rash,
• tingling or pins and needles, and
• weakness.

Less common side effects of