Enalapril

Uses of Enalapril

Enalapril oral is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children at least 1 month old.

Enalapril oral can also be used to prevent and treat congestive heart failure in adults.

Enalapril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use enalapril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with enalapril.

If you have diabetes, do not use enalapril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Tekturna or Tekamlo).

You should not use enalapril if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take this medicine within 36 hours before or after taking any medicine that contains sacubatril (such as Entresto).

Enalapril can affect your heart or your electrolyte levels. Call your doctor if you have chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, a slow heart rate or weak pulse, a tingly feeling, muscle weakness, or muscle tightness or contraction.

You should not use enalapril if you are allergic to it or to any other ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor such as benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, trandolapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, or ramipril.

Do not use enalapril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).

Do not use enalapril if you have a history of angioedema (severe allergic reaction).

If you have diabetes, do not use enalapril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, heart problems such as a recent heart attack;
• low blood pressure;
• stomach pain;
• low white blood cell count;
• if you are on a low-salt diet;
• diabetes;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
• liver disease.

You may also need to avoid taking enalapril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Dosage

Your dose of enalapril depends on why you need the medicine. Take it as your doctor tells you to.

To decide the right dose for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask you if you are getting any side effects. You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood.

Depending on why you’re taking enalapril, the usual starting dose for adults is between 2.5mg and 5mg once a day. This will be increased gradually over a few weeks to a usual dose of:

• 10mg, taken once a day for high blood pressure
• 10mg taken twice a day, or 20mg taken once a day, for heart failure

The maximum dose is 40mg a day, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.

Doses are usually lower for children or people with kidney problems.

The doctor will work out the dose of enalapril that is right for your child. The dose will be based on your child’s age and weight and why they need this medicine.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Tiredness
• Low blood pressure (see below)
• Dizziness
• Cough