What is Enalapril? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take this medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Do not stop taking enalapril doses until talking to the prescriber.

Take doses without regard to meals.

Swallow the enalapril tablets whole with a drink of water.

Measure oral solution doses with the calibrated oral syringe provided with the medicine. Do not use kitchen measuring spoons or tableware.

Store enalapril tablets at room temperature. Protect from moisture.

Store the enalapril oral solution in the refrigerator.

• Enalapril oral solution can also be stored at room temperature. If you do, discard the medication after 60 days.

Ask the prescriber how to manage a missed dose. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have:

• A history of allergic reactions to enalapril or other ACE inhibitors

• A history of angioedema (head, neck, and facial swelling) when using enalapril or another ACE inhibitor

• Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema

It is not safe to take enalapril during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Immediately inform the doctor if you become pregnant or think you’re pregnant.

Before starting enalapril, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking enalapril.

Regular doctor’s visits and blood tests are necessary to monitor therapy, especially if enalapril is used to treat heart failure. Keep all appointments.

Patients should be aware that enalapril can cause serious problems including:

• Low blood pressure

• Angioedema (severe swelling)

• High potassium levels

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems and liver failure

When taking enalapril, the risk of low blood pressure is greater if you are sweating, dehydrated, salt-depleted, or taking other blood pressure medications or diuretics. Tell the doctor if you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness and dizziness, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.

Do not stop using this medicine without talking to the prescriber, even if you feel well. Enalapril treats serious cardiovascular conditions, so the doctor needs to prescribe a suitable alternative before enalapril is discontinued.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, make sure the prescriber is informed about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take.

Tell all other doctors about enalapril before they prescribe new medications.

Enalapril is contraindicated for use with Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan). Anyone taking the blood pressure drug aliskiren should also avoid it.

Other drugs that can cause problems when combined with enalapril include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Other blood pressure medications, particularly other ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics), particularly potassium-sparing diuretics

• Everolimus, lithium, sirolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus

Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.