What is Mavik®?

Mavik® is the brand name of trandolapril, a prescription medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure, hypertension and congestive heart failure. Patented by Abbott Laboratories, Mavik® works as an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. More recent testing has shown that the medication has the potential to limit complications from urinary obstruction. As with any medication, both mild and serious effects are possible. Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions cannot use Mavik® to treat their high blood pressure.

Mavik® is one of many drugs known as ACE inhibitors. In healthy adults, maintaining normal blood pressure depends on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The system works through the release of a series of proteins and enzymes in the kidneys, liver and pituitary gland. ACE inhibitors interrupt one step of the process, making the body unable to raise blood pressure beyond a certain point. For individuals suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension or congestive heart failure, ACE inhibitors help prevent further degeneration of the cardiovascular system.

Besides promoting cardiovascular health, medical research has shown that Mavik® can assist in preventing complications from a host of conditions that cause urinary obstruction. No matter why or where the obstruction occurs within the urinary tract, fibrosis, or scarring, is always a possible side effect even after treatment of the underlying condition. In conjunction with paricalcitol, a vitamin D compound, Mavik® reduces instances of fibrosis. Individuals treated simultaneously with these two medications have a higher chance of a complete recovery.

Mavik®, along with all ACE inhibitors, can cause a range of side effects depending on an individual's current health and medical history. Nausea, fatigue, headache and dizziness are common side effects; individuals with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions may feel their symptoms worsen after beginning treatment. A serious side effect of the medication is possible renal damage or renal failure. Individuals with past or present kidney problems may need to undergo regular blood and urine tests as they take an ACE inhibitor.

Under certain conditions, a physician cannot prescribe Mavik® to his or her patients. Pregnant women are the most important group, as the medication can cause irreparable damage to the developing fetus; concerns over newborn health is a reason that nursing mothers also cannot take ACE inhibitors. Other individuals have a natural hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors, meaning their blood pressure would fall dangerously low. Finally, the medication may be fatal to individuals with a narrow aorta and narrow renal arteries.