Yes, you can buy enalapril over the counter. This medication is a type of ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It’s also used as an add-on therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant.
There are many different ACE inhibitors available, including lisinopril (which is also available over the counter), benepramazole, and captopril. ACE inhibitors all work in a similar way by inhibiting the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). As a result, blood pressure and fluid retention are reduced.
You cannot buy Enalapril directly over the counter and you will need to see your doctor first before obtaining this drug from your pharmacy.
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How to take enalapril
First, understand that you aren’t taking the pills in the traditional sense. You are taking the liquid that is inside the capsules. There are a few ways to ingest this liquid, depending on your situation.
When you have high blood pressure, a doctor may recommend that you ingest the liquid on a daily basis. If you have heart failure, your doctor may recommend that you ingest the liquid one to three times a day. Your doctor will tell you how much to take based on your weight and other factors.
When you have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend that you ingest the liquid one to three times a day. Your doctor will tell you how much to take based on your weight, the severity of your disease, and other factors.
Side effects of enalapril
Like other ACE inhibitors, enalapril can cause dizziness, swelling, and headaches. You may also notice swelling in your ankles, hands, or other parts of your body. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, especially if you are taking a high dose.
If you experience any of the above side effects, it’s best to take the liquid in smaller doses.
If you have heart failure, you may notice an increase in your potassium levels.
This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness. Because of this, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) can be used as a combination therapy with enalapril.
Warning: only take with food!
If you don’t eat with your medication, you will likely experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea. If you have this happen, eat a small snack with every dose to avoid these issues.
If you have diabetes, you need to make sure to eat a snack every time you take enalapril. This is because enalapril can alter your blood sugar levels and affect your ability to monitor your glucose levels. If you don’t eat a snack when you take enalapril, your blood sugar may get too low.
Can you buy Valsartan over the counter?
Yes, you can buy valsartan over the counter. Valsartan, along with other ACE inhibitors, is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also sometimes used as an add-on therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant.
Valsartan is available in different dosages and can be purchased without a prescription.
Valsartan comes in both generic and brand name options. It is often prescribed to patients who have certain medical conditions. You may be prescribed valsartan if you have heart failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Like other ACE inhibitors, valsartan can cause dizziness, swelling, and headaches. You may also notice swelling in your ankles, hands, or other parts of your body. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, especially if you are taking a high dose.
Adverse effects of enalapril
Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea can occur if you don’t eat with your medication. If you have diabetes, you need to make sure to eat a snack every time you take enalapril.
This is because enalapril can alter your blood sugar levels and affect your ability to monitor your glucose levels. If you don’t eat a snack when you take enalapril, your blood sugar may get too low.
If you have heart failure, you may notice an increase in your potassium levels. This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness. Because of this, diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) can be used as a combination therapy with enalapril.
Conclusion
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It can also be used as an add-on therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. You cannot buy enalapril directly over the counter; you will need to see your doctor first.
If you have high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, enalapril can be an effective treatment option. Like other ACE inhibitors, enalapril can cause dizziness, swelling, and headaches. You may also notice swelling in your ankles, hands, or other parts of your body.
