Enalapril

Enalapril is a treatment for hypertension or high blood pressure. Enalapril is one of a group of hypertension treatments called the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. Enalapril can be taken to avoid serious health implications that may occur if your blood pressure rises too high, like heart failure, liver failure, and stroke. Enalapril can also be used to treat patients with heart failure.

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It stops your body creating the hormone angiotensin II. Enalapril inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme and this action causes the smooth muscle in your blood vessels to relax, thereby opening them to increase blood flow. Enalapril also reduces the amount of water put back into your blood by the kidneys resulting in decreased blood pressure.

There are no specific foods that will change how enalapril works. However, you should be aware that your high blood pressure might be caused by a diet high in salt, cholesterol and fat; the treatment would work better if you change your diet for the better as well to reduce your blood pressure.

Alcohol can exacerbate side effects such as feeling faint or dizzy because the combination can drop your blood pressure. It’s important to be aware of this if you drink any alcohol.

The tablets are round and white with the dosage marked on one side, and a break line marked on the other.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or high dose aspirin can interact with enalapril. You should use alternative painkillers if and when you need them. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Enalapril must be prescribed. Enalapril should be taken by people over 18 only, unless otherwise recommended by a doctor. Over 65’s can take Enalapril; however, they may experience increased sensitivity to the drug. You should check the “Warnings” tab for comprehensive advice as to who can or can’t take Enalapril.

If you experience an allergic reaction, stop taking enalapril immediately and seek medical assistance. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are a swollen face, difficulty breathing, itchy skin, severe skin disorders and fever.

• Dizziness or feeling sick
• Blurred vision
• Cough
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches and fainting
• Increased potassium levels
• Change in taste
• Weakness, fatigue, depression
• Allergic reactions

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Indigestion
• Thin discharge from the nose
• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscle cramps
• Reduced blood flow to extremities

• Strange dreams
• Inflammation of the pancreas, liver or kidneys
• Enlarged breasts in men
• Skin problems such as nodules and ulceration
• Low blood sodium levels
• High blood calcium levels

For a full list of possible side effects, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your treatment. If you experience any of these side effects or any other changes, you should consult your doctor.

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in enalapril
• have had an allergic reaction to other ACE inhibitors
• have someone in your family who’s had an allergic reaction
• have had angioedema of unknown cause (swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue)
• are pregnant

Your doctor will also take into consideration some other factors when deciding to prescribe this medication for you. These include:

• any drops in your blood pressure
• what medications you’re taking
• kidney problems, including if you’re on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant
• certain heart conditions, including thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or narrowing of valves in the heart
• any liver problems
• your ethnicity - enalapril has been shown to be less effective for black patients, and there may also be a higher risk of severe allergic reactions
• if you’ve had a persistent cough with this, or a similar medication
• if you have high blood potassium (may be due to reduced kidney function, diabetes, or some medication)

• medicines containing potassium
• diuretics like Spironolactone, Triamterene or Amiloride
• lithium (for mental health conditions)
• painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen
• procainamide (for heart problems)
• other medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines to treat depression, psychosis and narcotics (tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and anaesthetics respectively)
• medicines which stimulate the nervous system
• immunosuppressants
• medicines for colds and sinus congestion
• medicines containing gold like sodium aurothiomalate
• allopurinol used to treat gout
• insulin or medicines taken orally used in diabetes treatment
• blood thinners
• beta-blockers
• nitrates for angina

YYou should not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or faint while taking enalapril.