Enalapril

When should one not use Enalapril

• If you are allergic to enalapril or any component of this medicine.
• If you have a history of angioedema (swelling without pain affecting the face, arms, legs) due to the use of similar medicine or without a known cause.
• This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy.
• If you are taking a medicine called aliskiren (for high blood pressure) and have diabetes or kidney problem.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Feeling low
• Taste changes
• Fainting & dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Cough & difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain & increased heart beats
• Lack of energy
• Nausea & diarrhoea
• Rashes & allergy

Other General Warnings

• You have been very sick, suffered from excessive vomiting or had bad diarrhoea recently.
• You have heart, kidney or liver-related problems and taking other medicines for the treatment.
• You are going to undergo any surgery or operation. You may be asked to stop taking this medicine.
• You are on a salt-restricted diet or taking potassium-containing medicines or supplements.
• You are elderly (over 70 years of age).
• You experience swelling of face, tongue, limbs, etc after taking this medicine.
• You have a problem in the blood vessels of your brain or have irregular blood count of certain blood cells.
• You are taking antidiabetic agents or insulin to control your diabetes; you should closely monitor your blood for low blood glucose levels.
• Any other condition if you have or you are currently taking other medicines should be discussed with your doctor before starting the treatment with this medicine.

How Does It Work?

• Enalapril acts by blocking the action of an enzyme responsible for the formation of a substance called angiotensin.
• Angiotensin is a vasoconstrictor, it constricts or narrows the blood vessels and hence causes high blood pressure and makes your heart work harder.
• Enalapril relaxes the blood vessels and makes your heart pump effectively by blocking the formation of this substance.

Interactions with other medicines

• Be cautious if you are taking other medicines used to lower blood pressure as it may lower the blood pressure further.
• Medicines or supplements containing potassium, frequent monitoring of potassium levels is recommended.
• If you are taking water pills or diuretics, discuss it with your doctor prior to starting the treatment with Enalapril.
• Medicines used for mood or psychiatric disorders may further reduce the blood pressure and hence should be used cautiously.
• Lithium containing medicine used for certain brain-related problems if taken along with this medicine can lead to increased levels of lithium in the body and toxicity.
• Medicines such as temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus used to treat certain types of cancer or to prevent the body's immune system from rejecting a transplanted organ.
• Other medicines such as antidiabetics, aspirin, certain cough and cold medicines and weight-reducing medicines (Sympathomimetics), medicines used to dissolve blood clots, certain pain or arthritis medicine/ therapy containing gold should be used cautiously.

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