Enalapril

Information About Enalapril

Uses of Enalapril

Enalapril is commonly used to treat diabetic kidney disease and heart attack. it is also used to prevent the occurrence of heart attack and stroke.

How Enalapril Works

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which prevents ACE from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. As a result, there is an increase in plasma renin activity and reduce the secretion of aldosterone.

Side Effects of Enalapril

Headache, Hypotension, Dizziness, Peripheral neuropathy, Insomnia, Vertigo, Persistent dry cough, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Rash, Muscle cramps

Authorship

Written By

Dr Mohd Ramzdhan Bin Mohd Masdar

MD (Crimea State Medical University)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Enalapril Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is not advisable to consume enalapril with alcohol because they can have an additive hypotensive effect.

Pregnancy Not Safe

There is evidence of human studies in which enalapril possesses risks to the fetus even though potential benefits may warrant the usage during pregnancy. Any ACE inhibitor should not be started during pregnancy and unless continuous therapy with ACE inhibitor is indicated, it is inevitable that antihypertensive need to be changed to other alternatives with known safety profile in pregnancy. Specifically, during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, enalapril can cause human fetotoxicity and neonatal toxicity, thus it should be avoided at all cost.

Lactation Limited Data

There is limited data on the safety profile of enalapril in breastfeeding. However, few studies have shown that enalapril is excreted in very low concentrations in breast milk. Although this could be deemed as insignificant, the usage of Enalapril during breastfeeding is not advisable for preterm infants and early delivery period because of the potential risk of cardiovascular and renal effects.

Driving Generally Safe

Enalapril usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Kidney Use With Care

In patients with renal impairment, the dosage of enalapril needs to be adjusted depending on the renal function, particularly the patient's creatinine clearance. It is also important to do routine monitoring of the renal function during the treatment for such patients. There are also cases of renal failure reported in regards to enalapril and most occur in patients with severe heart failure or underlying renal disease. When treated early, renal failure caused by enalapril is reversible.

Liver Limited Data

ACE inhibitor could be associated with cholestatic jaundice or hepatitis which then progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis or death. If the patient develops jaundice or a significant increase of liver enzymes following usage of enalapril, it is best to discontinue Enalapril and advice the patient to seek appropriate medical attention.