Enalapril: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Enalapril is a prescription medicine that lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to the ACE inhibitors. It must not be taken in pregnancy and should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Enalapril maleate, Enalapril 2.5 mg, Enalapril 5 mg, Enalapril 10 mg, Envas, Vasotec
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Enalapril work?
Enalapril is converted in the body to enalaprilat, which blocks the enzyme that makes angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. With less angiotensin II the vessels relax and blood pressure falls.
How to take Enalapril
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Doctors often start with a low dose and raise it over several weeks. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Enalapril
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
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (angioedema). Get medical help immediately
- Fainting, or very low blood pressure with severe dizziness
- A high potassium level, which can cause weakness or an irregular heartbeat
- Passing much less urine than usual (possible kidney problems)
- Yellow skin or eyes, or signs of infection such as fever and sore throat (possible liver or blood cell problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking enalapril, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to enalapril, another ACE inhibitor or any ingredient of the tablet
- Earlier angioedema (swelling of the face or throat) with an ACE inhibitor, or inherited angioedema
- Pregnancy (it can seriously harm the unborn baby)
- Diabetes together with aliskiren, or use with sacubitril
- Pregnancy: do not take it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, because medicines of this type can seriously harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant
- Breastfeeding: ask your doctor first
- Earlier swelling of the face or throat (angioedema) with any ACE inhibitor
- Kidney or liver disease
- Dehydration, 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 Enalapril
Enalapril can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including 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 increase the risk of low blood pressure; limit it
If someone takes too much
Taking one extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to be serious, but larger amounts can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Enalapril is not listed as a single ingredient on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain enalapril with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Enalapril belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Enalapril
These medicines sold in India contain Enalapril. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Envas 5 · 5 mg tablet
What is Enalapril used for?
Medicines that contain Enalapril are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Enalapril.
Common questions
Is enalapril a prescription medicine?
Yes. Enalapril is a prescription-only medicine in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Can I take enalapril during pregnancy?
No. Medicines of this type can seriously harm an unborn baby, and the NHS says enalapril is generally avoided in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop it without speaking to your doctor.
Does enalapril cause a dry cough?
It can. A dry, persistent cough is a known effect of ACE inhibitors and goes away after the medicine is stopped. Tell your doctor rather than stopping it yourself; the doctor may suggest a different medicine.
What is angioedema with enalapril?
It is sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat that can make breathing difficult. It is rare but serious and can happen at any time. Get emergency medical help straight away.
Does enalapril need blood tests?
Doctors may order blood tests for kidney function and potassium, especially when it is started or the dose is raised. Follow your doctor's advice on tests and tell the doctor if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.
Sources
- Enalapril: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart failure. NHS (UK)
- Enalapril: pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility. NHS (UK)
- Enalapril maleate tablets: prescribing information (Amici Pharma). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)