Vasotec

Overview

About Vasotec

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Vasotec can cause birth defects, prematurity, and death to the developing or newborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Vasotec appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Vasotec is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

High Blood Pressure

The usual starting dose for people not using diuretics is 5 milligrams, taken once a day. The usual dose is 10 to 40 milligrams per day, taken as a single dose or divided into 2 smaller doses.

If you are taking a diuretic, your physician may ask you to stop for 2 to 3 days before using Vasotec. Otherwise, he or she may give an initial dose of 2.5 milligrams of Vasotec under medical supervision before any further medication is prescribed.

If you have a kidney disorder, your dosage will be adjusted according to its severity.

To Treat Heart Failure

This medication can be used in conjunction with digitalis and diuretics in people with heart disease. The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams twice a day.

The usual regular dose is 2.5 to 20 milligrams each day, taken in 2 separate doses. The maximum daily dose is 40 milligrams, in 2 separate doses.

To Prevent Heart Failure

The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams twice a day, to be gradually increased to 20 milligrams a day divided into smaller doses.

CHILDREN

Vasotec can be prescribed for high blood pressure in children 1 month to 16 years old. Dosage is determined by weight. The usual starting dose is 0.08 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight (up to 5 milligrams) once a day. Doses above 40 milligrams have not been tested in children.