Enalapril

The Enalapril is a medicine taken alone or in combination other in order to control high blood pressure .

It is included in the classification of drugs that are inhibitors of the enzymes that transform angiotensin, also known as ACE (acronym of the name in English).

The drug is capable of reducing the chemical substances that cause the blood vessels to contract, so that our blood will circulate better and the heart will be able to pump it more efficiently . And it is that, arterial hypertension is a very common health problem in today’s society. It is related to a lifestyle in which people eat the wrong way. In addition, daily stress also contributes to its appearance. For all these reasons, it is recommended to change your diet and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it will be essential to keep a regular control of blood pressure.

How to take Enalapril: recommended doses

Enalapril comes as regular tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) and other extended-release tablets. Its administration will usually be orally .

Its administration is one or two tablets a day with or without food intake . It is important to take the medication at the same time every day as well as to follow the instructions and ask for help if there is a section that is not understood. The pharmacist or doctor will be asked for help in these situations. In no case should we vary the medication unless the doctor indicates it. It is often started with a low dose of Enalapril and depending on its effect on the patient, the doctor may change it gradually.

It should be noted that the drug Enalapril treats high blood pressure and heart failure, but it is not a cure, only a treatment.

Other uses

Enalapril is sometimes used to treat kidney-related diseases and diabetes . In this situation, the doctor will be in charge of administering the medicine.

If necessary, more information will be requested from the doctor or, failing that, from the pharmacist.

Enalapril contraindications

• It is essential to tell our pharmacist if we think we are or could be allergic to Enalapril or other inhibitors in the conversion of angiotensin converting enzyme. Some of these inhibitors are: benazepril, ramipril, trandolapril, quinapril or lisinopril, among others … You can always request the list of components from the pharmacist.
• If you have diabetes, you need to let your doctor know.
• It is essential to indicate all kinds of medications that the patient is taking. Whether or not with a prescription. The doctor needs to have all the information about medications, supplements and other products that are taken. In this way, a treatment appropriate to the needs of each patient will be carried out.
• Report heart or kidney disease . Also, lupus, diabetes, scleroderma, or angiodema.
• Indicate if you are breastfeeding .
• At the time of making the necessary documentation to enter lists and perform a surgery, all types of products that are being taken at that time will be indicated.
• The dentist will be instructed to take Enalapril.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and not drinking enough fluids can cause a drop in blood pressure. For this reason, staying hydrated becomes a very important action.
• It should be taken into account that taking drugs classified as antihypertensive: captopril, Enalapril, ramipil … considerably decrease the amount of potassium in the blood and salt substitutes that contain potassium should be avoided.
• Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, nebivolol) will be administered on an empty stomach.
• Finally, those patients diagnosed with hypertension should follow a low-salt diet in the same way as those who have been diagnosed with heart failure. Alcohol consumption will be fully controlled while you are taking this type of medication.

Side effects on health

Like other medicines, taking Enalapril can cause side effects . The doctor should be notified if these symptoms are experienced or if they do not go away:

• Cough.
• Dizziness and feeling of weakness associated with lower than usual blood pressure.
• Skin rashes

Some side effects are serious , therefore, if they are experienced, they will go to the doctor:

• Swelling of the throat, face, tongue, lips, eyes, feet, hands …
• Ronquera.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Yellowing of the skin or even the eyes.
• Fevers, sore throats, or signs of infection in general.
• Lightheadedness and fainting.

There are more side effects that are not listed in this list. Therefore, if we experience any change in health, do not hesitate to go to your doctor .

Interactions with other medications

• Using potassium supplements or diuretics such as amiloride, spironalactone, and triamterene can increase the amount of serum potassium in patients with kidney function problems. Co-administration of Enalapril with thiazide diuretics may prevent potassium loss and prevent induced hypokalaemia.
• Enalapril should not be taken with drugs that belong to the group of NSAIDs. There is a possibility of causing kidney damage.
• Patients taking ACE inhibitors and diuretics should have blood tests to monitor electrolytes and serum potassium.
• Enalapril may decrease its effectiveness if it is taken together with antacid drugs that decrease bioavailability.
• Administering ACE inhibitors, lithium, and digoxin will raise the concentration of the latter. Sensitivity to taking allopurinol may also be increased.
• We pay maximum attention to our medication and do not administer it to other people, even if they may have the same symptoms.
• It is recommended to have a written list of the medicines you are taking. Those that are obtained with or without a prescription will be included. It is extremely important information in cases of emergency.

Finally, if all the instructions are carried out, there will be no surprises during the time it takes to take the medication.

How to store Enalapril?

The medicine should be kept in its original container. It will be kept perfectly closed and out of the reach of children. Its storage will be carried out in a place that is at room temperature and is away from sources with excess humidity or heat.