Envas 5: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects

What is Envas 5 used for?

Envas 5 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

• Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults
• Treating heart failure, usually together with other medicines, when a doctor judges it suitable

How does Envas 5 work?

Your body makes a hormone called angiotensin II that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt and water, which raises blood pressure. Enalapril is changed in the body into enalaprilat, which blocks the enzyme that makes angiotensin II. The vessels relax and widen, blood pressure falls and the heart has less work to do.

What happens in your body after you take it

1. You swallow the tablet

   The tablet dissolves in the gut and enalapril is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.

2. It is converted to the active form

   Enalapril is a pro-drug. The body changes it into enalaprilat, the form that does the work.

3. It blocks the ACE enzyme

   Enalaprilat blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), so less angiotensin II is made.

4. Vessels relax and widen

   With less angiotensin II, the blood vessels relax and the kidneys hold on to less salt and water. Together, blood pressure falls.

5. The body clears it

   Enalaprilat is removed mainly by the kidneys, with an effective half-life of about 11 hours in adults. It lasts longer in people with poor kidney function. Blood pressure can rise again if doses are missed or stopped.

How to take Envas 5

Take Envas 5 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.

• Doctors often start with a low dose and raise it over several weeks.
• It can be taken with or without food. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together.
• High blood pressure usually gives no symptoms, so you may feel well. Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.
• Your doctor may ask for blood tests from time to time, especially to check potassium and kidney function.
• It can make you dizzy, especially when standing up. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or use machinery.

Side effects of Envas 5

Most people take enalapril without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.

Uncommon or mild

• Dizziness, especially when standing up
• A dry, persistent cough
• Headache
• Blurred vision or a change in taste
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Tiredness

Who should be careful

Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Envas 5, or need extra care while taking it.

• Pregnancy: do not take it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, because medicines of this type can seriously harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor straight away
• Breastfeeding: ask your doctor first
• Earlier swelling of the face or throat (angioedema) with any ACE inhibitor
• Kidney or liver disease
• Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating, or being on water tablets: blood pressure can fall too far
• High potassium levels, or taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes
• Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it

Medicines and things that interact with Envas 5

Envas 5 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.

• Other blood pressure medicines and water tablets such as furosemide: blood pressure may fall too low
• ARBs, aliskiren and sacubitril: the combination is usually avoided or not allowed
• Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and potassium-sparing water tablets: potassium can become too high
• NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin at pain-relief doses: they can weaken its effect and strain the kidneys
• Lithium: its level in the blood can rise
• Some antibiotics, antivirals and tricyclic antidepressants: ask your pharmacist
• Alcohol: can add to dizziness and low blood pressure

If someone takes too much

Storage

Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.

Regulatory status in India

Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient enalapril is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Envas 5 contains enalapril only.

Other brands with the same medicine

Enalapril tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.

Other strengths and forms

Enalapril is sold in different strengths, and in combination tablets with other medicines such as a water tablet. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.

Common questions