How does it work?

Enalapril belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. These work by blocking the action of a chemical in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally ACE produces another chemical, angiotensin II. Thus enalapril reduces the amount of angiotensin II in the blood. Angiotensin II usually has two actions. Firstly, it acts on blood vessels to make them narrow and secondly it acts on the kidneys to produce less urine. As enalapril stops the production of angiotensin II, these actions are reversed. Therefore more urine is produced by the kidneys, which results in less fluid in the blood vessels. The blood vessels also widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure, and therefore a decrease in the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body. This can help treat high blood pressure and also heart failure, where the pumping action of the heart has become less effective.

What is it used for?

Heart failure, in combination with other medicines

High blood pressure caused by compression or blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys (renovascular hypertension)

High blood pressure with no known cause

Prevention of heart attacks, heart failure and angina in people with a poorly functioning heart (left ventricular dysfunction)

Warning!

Blood pressure, kidney function and blood potassium levels should be monitored before initiating and at regular intervals throughout treatment.

Alcohol may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine, which may result in dizziness or fainting.

The use of this medicine in children has not been studied.

Where this medicine is used alone in high blood pressure, Afro-Carribean patients may show a reduced response.

Use with caution in

Decreased fluid volume in the body due to, eg diuretic therapy, low salt diet, kidney dialysis, diarrhoea, vomiting

Decreased kidney function

Disease of the blood vessels in and around the brain (cerebrovascular disease)

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

Heart failure

History of swelling of the lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

People also taking diuretics

People receiving therapy to remove certain types of fat from the blood using a machine (LDL apheresis)

People undergoing therapy to decrease allergy to bee or wasp stings (desensitisation).

Not to be used in

Any condition in which there is obstruction to the pumping of blood out of the heart (outflow tract obstruction)

History of swelling of the lips, face or tongue (angioedema) caused by an ACE inhibitor

Kidney failure requiring a certain type of haemodialysis

Narrowing of the main artery of the body (aortic stenosis)

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Muscle cramps

Dizziness

Severe blistering skin reaction affecting the tissues of the eyes, mouth, throat and genitals.(Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Kidney failure

Fainting (syncope)

Dry cough

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved