Enalapril Maleate
About
Enalapril Maleate belongs to a class of medication called 'anti-hypertensive agents' primarily used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high leading to hypertension. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headache, dizziness, nose bleed, changes in vision, chest pain, weakness and dyspnoea (shortness of breath).
Enalapril Maleate contains Enalapril maleate (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) that works by blocking the action of an angiotensin-converting enzyme which decreases the production of angiotensin II in the body that causes constriction and narrowing of blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. Thereby, it widens and relaxes blood vessels, thus decreasing blood pressure.
Take Enalapril Maleate as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take Enalapril Maleate based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, nausea, and cough. Most of these side effects of Enalapril Maleate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Enalapril Maleate or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Enalapril Maleate is not recommended for pregnant women especially in second and third trimesters as it may cause serious harm to the baby. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Enalapril Maleate. It is advised to complete the full course of Enalapril Maleate and not to stop taking Enalapril Maleate suddenly as it may cause an increase in blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Enalapril Maleate as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Uses of Enalapril Maleate
Medicinal Benefits
Enalapril Maleate contains Enalapril maleate which works by blocking the action of an angiotensin-converting enzyme which decreases the production of angiotensin II in the body which causes constriction and narrowing of blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. Thereby, it widens and relaxes blood vessels, thus lowering high blood pressure. Also, it is used to prevent and treat heart failure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Enalapril Maleate
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Cough
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Enalapril Maleate or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Enalapril Maleate is not recommended for pregnant women especially in second and third trimesters as it may cause serious harm to the baby. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Enalapril Maleate. It is advised to complete the full course of medication and not to stop taking Enalapril Maleate suddenly as it may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. Avoid potassium supplements with Enalapril Maleate as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Enalapril Maleate may have interaction with pain killers (aspirin), diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, furosemide), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin), blood thinners (heparin), medicines to treat chest pain (nitroglycerine), tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and antibiotics (co-trimoxazole, trimethoprim).
Drug-Food Interaction: Enalapril Maleate may interact with potassium salt substitutes and potassium supplements resulting in hyperkalaemia (high levels of potassium in the blood) and may cause severe adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat, muscle paralysis and kidney failure. Also, avoid intake of potassium-rich foods such as coconut water, bananas and broccoli.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have asthma, diabetes, scleroderma (hardening and tightening of skin), have a history of angioedema (swelling under the skin), kidney, liver or heart problems inform your doctor before taking Enalapril Maleate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption with Enalapril Maleate as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache.
Pregnancy
unsafePlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Enalapril Maleate is not recommended for pregnant women especially in the second and third trimesters as it may cause birth defects or serious harm to the baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeEnalapril Maleate may be excreted in human milk. Therefore, Enalapril Maleate is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may be unsafe for the baby. However, please consult a doctor.
Driving
cautionEnalapril Maleate may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy or tired after taking Enalapril Maleate.
Liver
cautionEnalapril Maleate should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionEnalapril Maleate should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionEnalapril Maleate is recommended for children only if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low salt diet and minimize eating processed foods as they contain more sodium. Try to replace salt with spices or herbs to add flavour to the food.
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Maintain a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet.
- Quit smoking and avoid consumption of alcohol.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney functioning, amount of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, creatinine, and liver enzyme levels are recommended while taking Enalapril Maleate.
- Low salt diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Enalapril Maleate for effective results.
- If you are about to under any surgery, receive anesthetics, LDL apheresis treatment (cholesterol removal from blood using a machine), or desensitization treatment, inform your doctor that you are taking Enalapril Maleate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High blood pressure (hypertension): It is a condition in which the blood exerts increased pressure on the walls of blood vessels leading to hypertension. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headache, dizziness, nose bleed, changes in vision, chest pain, weakness and dyspnoea (shortness of breath). However, most of the time, the signs and symptoms of hypertension are none.
FAQs
Enalapril Maleate works by blocking the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme which decreases the production of angiotensin II in the body that causes constriction and narrowing of blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. Thereby, it widens and relaxes blood vessels.
You are not recommended to take furosemide with Enalapril Maleate as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of low blood pressure. However, if you experience dizziness, reduced heart rate, headache or fainting, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted.
Enalapril Maleate may usually start working within an hour and the effect lasts for at least 24 hours. In some people, it may take several weeks to see the best effect of Enalapril Maleate on blood pressure.
You are not recommended to take potassium supplements with Enalapril Maleate as it may increase the levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Enalapril Maleate.
If you have any kidney problems, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Enalapril Maleate as Enalapril Maleate may worsen kidney functioning if there is any existing kidney problem. However, if you experience unexplained weight gain, or swelling in the feet, ankles or hands, please consult your doctor immediately.
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Enalapril Maleate as it may cause overdose resulting in symptoms such as low blood pressure, lightheadedness, rapid pulse, forceful and rapid heartbeat, anxiety, rapid breathing, cough and kidney failure. However, if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Enalapril Maleate, please consult a doctor immediately.
