Enalapril and Alcohol Interaction
Enalapril and Alcohol
Enalapril brand name Vasotec belongs to a family of drugs known as (ACE) angiotension converting enzyme which is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes and to improve survival after a heart attack. It may also be used for other purposes.
Enalapril should not be used if you are pregnant as birth defects in the baby could occur.
Do not use this drug if you are allergic to it or any other ACE inhibitor.
It is suggested that you avoid drinking alcohol while using this drug as it may lower blood pressure too much and greatly increase the known side effects.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Before taking this medication inform your physician if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes or a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are cough, loss of taste, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, sleep problems, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild skin itching or rash. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are feeling light headed, faint, change in urination pattern or not at all, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, bruising or bleeding, uneven heartbeats, chest pain, swelling, rapid weight gain. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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