This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. It works by helping to relax blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure. It is used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart problems. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

High Blood Pressure: the usual starting dose for people not using diuretics is 5 milligrams, taken once a day. The usual dose is 10 to 40 milligrams per day, taken as a single dose or divided into 2 smaller doses. If you are taking a diuretic, your physician may ask you to stop for 2 to 3 days before using Enalapril. Otherwise, he or she may give an initial dose of 2.5 milligrams of Enalapril under medical supervision before any further medication is prescribed. If you have a kidney disorder, your dosage will be adjusted according to its severity.

To Treat Heart Failure: this medication can be used in conjunction with digitalis and diuretics in people with heart disease. The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams twice a day. The usual regular dose is 2.5 to 20 milligrams each day, taken in 2 separate doses. The maximum daily dose is 40 milligrams, in 2 separate doses.

To Prevent Heart Failure: the usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams twice a day, to be gradually increased to 20 milligrams a day divided into smaller doses.

Enalapril can be prescribed for high blood pressure in children 1 month to 16 years old. Dosage is determined by weight. The usual starting dose is 0.08 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight (up to 5 milligrams) once a day. Doses above 40 milligrams have not been tested in children.

Warning and Precautions

Enalapril may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Enalapril with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Enalapril may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Enalapril. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Enalapril before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; weakness.

Storage

Store Enalapril at room temperature below 86 degrees (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Enalapril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are: diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; headache; nausea; persistent, dry cough; tiredness; vomiting, severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; hoarseness; infection (fever, sore throat); irregular or slow heartbeat; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes. Seek medical attention right away if any side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Enalapril. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.