Enalapril is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control. It relaxes your blood vessels which help to lower your blood pressure.
This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions such as heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood).
Take Enalapril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Enalapril is available as a tablet or oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Enalapril must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, lips, and throat from a previous therapy with a similar medicine
- inherited swelling of the deep layers of the skin or due to an unknown reason
as Enalapril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Enalapril, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Enalapril if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril (medicine used in combination with valsartan to treat long-term heart failure) or if you are taking other medicines used to treat high blood pressure such as aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- reduced sodium levels in the blood or fluid volume in the body that may be due to a dietary salt restriction, kidney dialysis, vomiting or diarrhoea
- heart disease such as narrowing of the heart valves
- immune system diseases affecting collagen
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Enalapril to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are of a Black race, Enalapril may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you are going to undergo other procedures or treatments such as desensitisation (treatment for an allergic reaction) to wasp or bee stings, removal of cholesterol from your blood by a machine (LDL apheresis), or dialysis with high flux membranes.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Enalapril may cause dizziness, or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may experience dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to Enalapril. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dry cough, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, hands, or legs
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Enalapril with aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril (medicine used in combination with valsartan to treat long-term heart failure) in the last 36 hours.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, metformin, vildagliptin
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus, ciclosporin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for chest pain e.g. isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or as a salt substitute)
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Enalapril.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid taking too much food that is high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, or prunes.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral solution can be stored at room temperature for up to 60 days or in the refrigerator (between 2-8°C). Do not allow Enalapril to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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