Description
Enalapril maleate is an ACE inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme the body uses to make a hormone that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax and blood pressure falls, and the heart has less work to do. It is licensed for high blood pressure and for heart failure, including in people whose heart is pumping poorly before symptoms appear.
The tablet is taken once or twice daily as your prescriber directs, with or without food. The first dose can lower blood pressure more than later ones, so take care standing up. A dry, tickly cough is the best known side effect of this class and does not settle while the medicine is continued. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat is rare but needs urgent medical attention.
Your prescriber will check your kidney function and blood salts with a blood test. This medicine must not be taken in pregnancy.
- ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure
- Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets
- A persistent dry cough is a recognised effect of this class
- Take care standing up after the first dose or a dose increase
- Blood tests check kidney function and blood salts
- Not for use in pregnancy; tell your prescriber if you may be pregnant
