Brand name:

Mavik

Why is Mavik prescribed?

Mavik controls high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications such as diuretics that help rid the body of excess water. Mavik is also used to treat heart failure or dysfunction following a heart attack.

Mavik is in a family of drugs known as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. ACE inhibitors also expand your blood vessels, further reducing blood pressure.

Most important fact about Mavik

You will get the full benefit of Mavik within a week; but you must continue taking it regularly to maintain the effect. Mavik does not cure high blood pressure, it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Mavik?

Mavik can be taken with or without food. Try to make Mavik part of your regular daily routine. If you take it at the same time each day--for example, right after breakfast--you will be less likely to forget a dose.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

--Storage instructions...

Mavik may be stored at room temperature.

Mavik side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Mavik.

• Side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, anxiety, bloating, chest pain, constipation, cough, cramps, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, flushing, fluid retention, gout, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, itching, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, nosebleed, pains in arms and legs, palpitations, pins and needles, rash, severe skin disease, slowed heartbeat, swelling of face and lips, swelling of tongue and throat, swelling of arms or legs, throat inflammation, upper respiratory infection, vertigo, vomiting, yellow eyes and skin

Why should Mavik not be prescribed?

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Mavik or similar drugs such as Capoten or Vasotec, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Mavik

If you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and difficulty swallowing (or swelling of the arms and legs), you should stop taking Mavik and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Desensitization treatments with bee or wasp venom make an allergic reaction more likely. Kidney dialysis also increases the danger.

When prescribing Mavik, your doctor will perform a complete assessment of your kidney function and will continue to monitor your kidneys.

If you have congestive heart failure, your blood pressure may drop sharply after the first few doses of Mavik and you may feel light-headed for a time. Your doctor should monitor you closely when you start taking Mavik and when your dosage is increased.

High doses of diuretics combined with Mavik may cause excessively low blood pressure. Your doctor may need to reduce your diuretic dose to avoid this problem.

Mavik sometimes affects the liver. If you notice a yellow coloring to your skin or the whites of your eyes, stop taking Mavik and notify your doctor immediately.

Dehydration may cause a drop in blood pressure. If you do not drink enough water, perspire a lot, or suffer vomiting or diarrhea, notify your doctor immediately.

Also contact your doctor promptly if you develop a sore throat or fever. It could indicate a more serious illness.

If you develop a persistent, dry cough, tell your doctor. It may be due to Mavik and, if so, will disappear if Mavik is discontinued.

Heart and circulatory problems, diabetes, lupus erythematosus, and kidney disease are all reasons for using Mavik with care. Also be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Mavik if you are planning any type of surgery.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Mavik

If Mavik is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Mavik with the following:

Diuretics such as HydroDIURIL
Diuretics that spare the body's potassium, such as Aldactone, Dyazide, and Moduretic
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Potassium preparations such as Micro-K and Slow-K

Also check with your doctor before using potassium-containing salt substitutes.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

ACE inhibitors such as Mavik can cause injury and even death to the developing baby when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. At the first sign of pregnancy, stop taking Mavik and contact your doctor immediately.

Mavik may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Do not take Mavik while you are nursing.

Recommended dosage for Mavik

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. The most likely effects of a Mavik overdose are light-headedness or dizziness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.