Enalapril

Enalapril, a medication belonging to the class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, is licensed to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction. It works by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, causing blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure. Enalapril comes in tablet form and is generally taken once or twice per day. Possible side effects include cough, headache, and fatigue.

 

What Is Enalapril?

Enalapril is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
 
It was originally developed by Merck & Co. and sold under the brand name Vasotec®. It has since come off patent, making it available as a generic. Several companies sell generic enalapril under the name Enalapril Maleate tablets.
 

What Is Enalapril Used For?

The drug is licensed to treat a number of conditions. For adults, these uses include:
 
Enalapril tablets are also used to treat high blood pressure in children one month of age and older.
 
(Click Enalapril Uses for more information on what this medication is used for, including off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Enalapril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors.
 ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. The medication helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, it causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 

Effects

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number refers to the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number expresses the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking enalapril, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure both decreased significantly. Certain factors, such as ethnicity and dose, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
For people with congestive heart failure (CHF), the effects of enalapril on the heart and blood vessels can cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. Taking enalapril may also result in improved exercise tolerance.
 
For people with left ventricular dysfunction but no CHF symptoms, this drug can decrease the chances for developing heart failure symptoms along with a decrease in hospitalizations.
 

When and How Do I Take Enalapril?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
 
  • It comes in tablet form. You generally take it once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
     
  • You can take it with or without food.
     
  • You should take it at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
 
  • In order for enalapril to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
 

Dosing

The dosage recommended by your healthcare provider will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
 
(Click Enalapril Dosage for more information about dosing for enalapril.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with enalapril. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects, though, in most cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Some of the most common side effects with enalapril include, but are not limited to:
 
 
Click Enalapril Side Effects to learn about more of the side effects of this drug. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
 
 

Drug Interactions With Enalapril

Enalapril potentially has a number of medicines with which it can interact.
 
(Click Enalapril Drug Interactions for more information about these possible interactions.)
 

What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking It?

Before taking enalapril, let your healthcare provider know if you have:
 
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Enalapril and Pregnancy).
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Are on dialysis
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Enalapril Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take this drug.)
 

Overdose

People who take too much enalapril may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • Decrease in urine output
  • Drowsiness, headache, or back pain
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat.
 
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Enalapril Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

Enalapril should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The medicine should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep enalapril and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your enalapril as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths of Enalapril

Enalapril is available in a number of strengths. These various strengths include:
 
  • Enalapril 2.5 mg
  • Enalapril 5 mg
  • Enalapril 10 mg
  • Enalapril 20 mg.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;