Enalapril Dosage (Cont.)

Enalapril Dosing for Heart Failure

The recommended starting dose of enalapril for people with heart failure is enalapril 2.5 mg twice a day. Based on factors such as the response and enalapril side effects, the dosage may be increased or decreased. For most people, the normal daily dosage is enalapril 2.5 mg to enalapril 20 mg twice a day.
 
If you have heart failure and kidney disease or low salt levels in the blood (hyponatremia), your healthcare provider may choose to start you on a lower dose of enalapril, such as enalapril 2.5 mg once daily, with close medical supervision.
 

Left Ventricular Dysfunction Dosing

For those with left ventricular dysfunction, the starting dose of enalapril is generally 2.5 mg per day. The dose may be increased at regular intervals up to 20 mg per day (or 10 mg twice a day).
 

Enalapril Dosing for Children

For children taking enalapril to lower blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 0.08 mg per kilogram, up to 5 mg per day. Dosing will be increased or decreased based on the blood pressure response or side effects.
 

General Enalapril Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking enalapril include the following:
 
  • Your enalapril dosage should be taken by mouth with a glass of water.
     
  • It does not matter if you take enalapril with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the enalapril tablets.
     
  • Make sure to take enalapril at the same time each day to maintain even levels of enalapril in the blood.
     
  • For enalapril to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Enalapril will not work if you take in a different way than your healthcare provider has prescribed.
     
  • If you do not take your enalapril as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to enalapril or your enalapril dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking enalapril without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;