Enalapril
NHS information about the medicine enalapril, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What enalapril is for
Enalapril is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor, which makes your blood vessels relax and widen. This helps to lower your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Enalapril is used to manage:
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heart failure
How to take enalapril
Enalapril usually comes as a tablet or liquid that you swallow. Some tablets can be dissolved in your mouth (orodispersible).
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and gradually increase it over a few weeks. This is to reduce the chance of side effects and find the right dose to manage your condition.
You may need to have regular blood tests or other checks while you're taking enalapril.
Some people take it for several years or longer.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
When taking enalapril:
- try to take it at the same time each day
- swallow tablets with a glass of water
- use the syringe that comes with the liquid medicine to make sure you measure the correct dose
- if you're taking orodispersible tablets, put the tablet under your tongue or inside your cheek and leave it to fully dissolve
If you get ill with vomiting, diarrhoea or a high temperature (fever) when taking enalapril, there's a risk you'll get dehydrated. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor for advice or follow the advice they've already given you.
Side effects of enalapril
Like all medicines, enalapril can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of enalapril include:
- feeling dizzy, especially if you stand up quickly
- blurred vision
- a dry cough
- headaches
- a loss or change to your sense of taste
- chest pain and a more noticeable heartbeat
- feeling breathless
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking enalapril, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of enalapril.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take enalapril
Most adults and children can take enalapril, but it's not suitable for some people.
For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from enalapril or another ACE inhibitor before
- you have angioedema, which causes swelling in areas such as your face, hands, feet, mouth or throat
- you have kidney problems
- you have liver problems
Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and enalapril
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
Enalapril can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.
You may be advised to continue taking it if the benefits to you outweigh any possible risks to your baby.
Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and enalapril
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while taking enalapril.
Enalapril is not usually used during pregnancy because it can affect how your baby develops in the womb.
A doctor will recommend an alternative medicine that's safer to take during pregnancy.
Taking enalapril with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with enalapril.
This includes some:
- medicines for high blood pressure and heart problems
- diuretics, such as furosemide
- antiviral medicines, such as aciclovir
- antidepressants called tricyclics, such as amitriptyline
- antibiotics, such as cefalexin
- medicines to treat some mental health problems (lithium)
- painkillers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin
This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with enalapril. Before taking enalapril, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with enalapril
You can eat as normal while taking enalapril, but try to limit how much alcohol you drink because it can increase the risk of low blood pressure.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
