Enalapril Warnings, Dosage, Side Effects, and Uses
Enalapril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease and congestive heart failure. It belongs to the class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. In this article we discuss the uses, dosage, and side effects of enalapril. We also answer the questions what is enalapril and how does it work?
Enalapril Warnings
Enalapril can cause serious allergic reactions and severe stomach pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in upper stomach
- Difficulty breathing
- Bloody urine
- Unusual weakness
- Pale stools
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellowing eyes or skin
What Is Enalapril?
Enalapril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease and congestive heart failure. It belongs to the class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors.
Uses Of Enalapril
Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and heart disease. It is also used in conjunction with other medicines to treat congestive heart failure and decrease the number of hospital visits for patients with heart problems.
Enalapril Brand Name
Enalapril is available as a generic drug and as the brand name drug Vasotec.
How Does Enalapril Work?
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor which works by blocking substances in the body which cause blood vessels to tighten. As a result, enalapril allows blood vessels to relax, increasing blood flow and oxygen supply within the body.
Enalapril Dosage
The dosage for enalapril can depend on a variety of factors including age, weight, and severity of symptoms. Before taking this drug, patients should first be placed on an appropriate low blood pressure diet.
Enalapril is available as a tablet and oral solution. As a tablet, enalapril comes at strengths of 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg. As an oral solution, enalapril comes at a strength of 1.25mg/L.
Enalapril Dosage For High Blood Pressure
Adults: At first, 5mg per day. Dosage should not exceed 40 mg per day.
Dosage For Heart Failure
Adults: At first, 2.5mg twice per day. Dosage should not exceed 40mg per day.
Dosage For Abnormal Heart Ventricle
Adults: At first, 2.5mg twice per day. Dosage should not exceed 40mg per day.
What Are The Side Effects Of Enalapril?
Enalapril does have potential side effects—some more common and serious than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of enalapril include:
- Chest pain
- A light-headed feeling
- Little urination
- Lack of urination
- Fever
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Weakness
- Loss of movement
- Irregular heartbeat
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of enalapril may include:
- Swelling of face, throat, lips, tongue, eyes, feet or ankles
- Hoarseness
- Tightness in chest
- Yellowing skin or eyes
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Fainting
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
Enalapril: Warnings, Dosage, Side Effects and Uses Summary
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease and heart failure. It works by blocking substances in the blood vessels which cause them to tighten.
Enalapril is available as a tablet and oral solution, and can decrease the number of hospital visits for those with heart problems.