by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 08, 2010

What is Vaseretic?

This is a tablet made from combining the active ingredients Enalapril maleate and hydrochlorothiazide. Enalapril is angiotensins converting enzyme inhibitor or an ACE inhibitor for shorten form and acts by relaxing the blood vessels thus allowing easy flow of blood through these vessels. On the other hand, hydrochlorothiazide is known as a diuretic or in other words, a water pill, and would act by stimulating the kidneys to excrete extra amount of fluid and salts thus reducing the pressure buildup within the circulatory system. Thus, the drug is indicated in instances where the blood pressures remains high in an individual and where one drug may exert adverse effects when used alone which can be counteracted through the use of a combination such as Vaseretic.

What are the side effects when using Vaseretic?

The drug is usually well tolerated when given within the prescribed dose accordingly. But, there can be certain manifestations which are unwanted and may interfere with the activities of daily living to a certain extent. Many of these side effects can disappear with time when the body adjusts to the effects of Vaseretic and therefore may not require any dose adjustment or a withdrawal from its use.

But, several side effects are considered serious even though they occur relatively rare. Among them, allergic reactions such as itching of the body, appearance of hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and the throat, breathing difficulties…etc should be considered dangerous and immediate medical attention should be sorted in order to prevent it from progressing into a life threatening event.

Apart from the allergic reactions, swallowing difficulties, severe headache, faintishness, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, slowing of the heart rate, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, moderate to severe stomach pain…etc can be considered as side effects which should also be considered as serious.

When considering the less serious side effects, dizziness, lightheadedness, persistent dry cough, tiredness and vomiting, nausea and diarrhea will top the list and most often, as mentioned earlier, these side effects can be remedied over time or with several simple measures.

How to minimize Vaseretic associated side effects?

The best advice to reduce some of the common and less serious side effects would be to divulge all the medical illnesses that are in existence to your health care provider before receiving Vaseretic treatment. At the same time, rising up slowly when seated or when lying down as well as not exceeding the prescribed dosing should minimize the potential for side effects although it may not completely stop the occurrence of the same.

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