What is Enalapril?
Enalapril is a prescription drug that is used to treat elevated blood pressure (hypertension), left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure symptoms. Enalapril may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Vasotec belongs to the ACE Inhibitor family of drugs. Enalapril is not considered to be safe or successful in children under the age of one month. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), such as enalapril, lower blood pressure by preventing the development of angiotensin II, which relaxes the arteries. In patients with heart failure, ACE inhibitors increase the effectiveness of the heart by lowering the blood pressure that the heart must sustain. The FDA approved enalapril in December 1985.
Enalapril uses
To control high blood pressure, enalapril is used alone or in conjunction with other drugs. It's also used to treat heart failure in conjunction with other drugs. Enalapril belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by lowering certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely and the heart to pump blood more efficiently. High blood pressure is a common disorder that can damage the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other body organs if left untreated. Heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, renal failure, vision loss, and other complications may also be caused by damage to these organs. Making lifestyle changes, in addition to taking medicine, can help you regulate your blood pressure.
Enalapril Side Effects
Some common side effects of Enalapril are:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Skin rash
- Cough
Some of the serious side effects of Enalapril are:
- Breathing problems
- Tightness in the chest
- Liver problems
- Yellowing of the skin
- Central nervous system
- Kidney problems
- Inability to pass urine
- Weight gain
- Inability to pass urine
- Blood in the urine
- High potassium levels
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
Keep in mind that your doctor approved this drug because he or she feels the value to you outweighs the risk of side effects. The majority of people who take this drug do not experience any significant side effects. If you experience symptoms of infection when taking this medicine, such as a persistent sore throat, persistent cough, fever, chills, night sweats, difficulty breathing, painful or repeated urination, irregular vaginal discharge, or white patches in your mouth, contact your doctor right away.
Precautions
Before taking Enalapril talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before taking the drug talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as: allergic reactions, swelling of face, blood filtering procedures and high level of potassium in the blood.
How to take Enalapril?
Enalapril is available in two forms: immediate and extended-release (long-acting) tablets. It's taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Take enalapril at the same time(s) every day to help you remember to take it. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more often than your doctor has prescribed. Your doctor will most likely begin with a low dose of enalapril and gradually raise it. The medication can lower blood pressure and prevents heart failure, but it does not cure it. Even if you feel fine, keep taking enalapril. Do not quit taking the drug without first consulting your physician.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Forms and strengths
Brand:Vasotec
Form: Oral tablet (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg)
Generic:Enalapril
Form: Oral tablet (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg)
Dosage for high blood pressure
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): Starting dosage should be 5 mg and it should be taken once per day.
Dosage for heart failure
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): The starting dosage should be 2.5 mg which should be taken by mouth.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of enalapril, skip the dose and resume your regular schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose. Setting an alarm to remind you of your doses will help if you miss them frequently. You may also ask your pharmacist for suggestions about how to recall your medication in other ways.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Desloratadine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some serious Health conditions
For people with swelling
If you have swelling all over your body, this medication will exacerbate it. You should not take enalapril if you have a history of swelling all over your body.
For people with low blood pressure
Enalapril will help you lower your blood pressure. If you still have low blood pressure, tell your doctor. They can adjust your dosage, particularly if you have heart or kidney disease, or if you have diabetes.
For people with Heart problems
If you have ischemic heart disease, use this medication with caution. Enalapril can make you more susceptible to low blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
In most cases, enalapril is not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor, on the other hand, can prescribe it if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor about the advantages and risks of taking enalapril whether you're trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant. These can vary depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and why you need to take it. There may be other options that are less harmful to you.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Enalapril vs Telmisartan
| Enalapril is a prescription drug that is used to treat elevated blood pressure (hypertension), left ventricular dysfunction, and congestive heart failure symptoms. | Telmisartan, sold under the brand name Micardis, among others, is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. |
| To control high blood pressure, enalapril is used alone or in conjunction with other drugs. It's also used to treat heart failure in conjunction with other drugs. | This medicine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. |
Some common Enalapril side effects are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Telmisartan are:
|
