High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure," is a health problem that affects many people in our country. Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you a medication for this condition. Have you also received a pill that contains a combination of two drugs called Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide? If so, this article will be very important for you. Today, we will talk about this medication, how it works, what to be careful about while using it, and the possible side effects.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This is actually a combination of two medications. Together, these two help control your blood pressure.
1. Enalapril: This belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors . Think of the blood vessels in your body as pipes that carry water. If these pipes become narrow, more pressure is needed to move the water, right? Similarly, when blood vessels become narrow, the heart has to work harder to move the blood, which is why the pressure increases. Enalapril works by widening and "relaxing" the blood vessels. Then the blood can flow more easily without getting clogged. This lowers blood pressure.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide: This belongs to the group of drugs called diuretics . These are commonly referred to as "water pills." They work by signaling the kidneys to excrete excess water and salt through urine. When the body's fluid levels decrease, the pressure inside the blood vessels also decreases.
When these two medications are combined, this is a very effective treatment because they control blood pressure in both ways.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medication to you, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. This is because if you have certain medical conditions, this medication should not be used, or should be used with great caution.
Remember, never hide anything from your doctor. It's for your own safety to tell them about even the smallest health problem you have.
If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition or fact | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important . This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | The ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it is essential to inform the doctor about this. |
| Kidney or liver disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys and liver. If the function of these organs is impaired, the dosage of the medicine may need to be adjusted. |
| Diabetes | This medication can affect blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be especially careful. |
| Heart disease or recent heart attack/stroke | The effect of the medicine may vary depending on your heart condition. |
| Autoimmune diseases such as lupus | Responses to medications may change in these situations. |
| Allergic conditions | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Enalapril, Hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or anything else. |
| Previous cases of swelling of the face, lips, or tongue | If a medication has previously caused this type of swelling (angioedema), there is a risk of it occurring again. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
- Take it on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. In the morning, every morning. This will help maintain the same level of medicine in your body.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better, your blood pressure may be controlled by the medication. Stopping it suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise dangerously again.
Oh, what if I miss my medication?
That may happen. Don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much medicine, do not delay. This can be dangerous. If you feel extremely dizzy or faint, go with someone to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. It is also very important to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine
You will need to be a little more careful about some aspects of your lifestyle while using this medication.
- See your doctor regularly: Go to your doctor at regular intervals and get yourself checked. Check your blood pressure. Sometimes, he or she will also order blood tests to check things like your potassium levels.
- Watch out for dizziness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when you first start taking this medicine. Therefore, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Do not get up suddenly. It is best to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase dizziness and lightheadedness. It is also bad for your blood pressure. Therefore, it is best to limit or completely stop drinking alcohol.
- Do not take over-the-counter medications: If you have a cough, cold, or body ache, do not go to the pharmacy and take over-the-counter medications. Some pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) and cold medications can interact with this medication and increase your blood pressure. Ask your doctor before taking any medication.
- Be careful of dehydration: If you are sweating a lot, vomiting, or having diarrhea, you may lose a lot of fluid from your body and become dehydrated. In this case, taking this medicine can be dangerous. Ask your doctor for advice on what to do in such a situation.
- Protect yourself from the sun: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This means that your skin may burn and turn red more quickly. Therefore, if you are going to be in the sun, use sunscreen, wear clothing that covers your body, and wear a hat.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine. |
| Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness | It may be a sign of very low blood pressure. |
| Changes in potassium levels | Irregular heartbeat, muscle twitching or pain, extreme fatigue. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry cough | This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitor medications. If it bothers you, tell your doctor. |
| Headache and dizziness | This may occur in the first few days until the body gets used to the medication. |
| Stomach ache | Nausea may occur. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store medication in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. If you are unsure about how to dispose of them, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time, for the prescribed duration.
- Even if you feel better, avoid stopping the medication without medical advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Be aware of possible dizziness when starting the medication. Get up slowly.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately .
- If you experience a serious side effect, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
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