Drug Notes

Enalapril/diltiazem (By mouth)

Diltiazem (dil-TYE-a-zem), Enalapril (en-AL-a-pril)

Treats high blood pressure. Enalapril belongs to a class of drugs called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. Diltiazem belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Even if you feel well, your blood pressure can still be high. Keep taking your medicine as your doctor ordered.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break or chew.
• Do not worry if you see something that looks like a tablet in your bowel movements. This is the shell of the tablet after your body has absorbed the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• This medicine may increase the amount of potassium in your body. Too much potassium can be harmful. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking potassium supplements, amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene. Avoid using salt substitutes that contain potassium while you are taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking lithium, carbamazepine (Tegretol®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), cyclosporine, beta blocker drugs (such as Lopressor®, Corgard®, Inderal®), or any diuretics (water pills such as furosemide (Lasix®), hydrochlorothiazide, or torsemide (Demadex®)).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease or have a history of a stroke or heart attack.
• Tell your doctor if you are on a low salt diet.
• You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby, especially if taken after the third month of a pregnancy.
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine, because you may give the medicine to your baby through breastmilk.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, especially during the first few days after you start taking it. Be careful if you are driving or using machinery
• Dizziness may be worse if you lose too much water from your body. You can lose water by sweating, having diarrhea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if this medicine makes you dizzy or if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Before having any kind of surgery, make sure your doctor or dentist knows you are taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Wheezing, trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue
• Hives or rash
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Feeling tired or dizzy
• Coughing
• Swelling in your feet or ankles
• Constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017