About enalapril maleate
ACE inhibitor
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Left ventricular dysfunction after heart attack
Usual adult dose
High blood pressure: usually 5 mg once daily, adjusted to 10–40 mg daily. Heart failure: starts at 2.5 mg twice daily, adjusted gradually.
Usual dose in children
For hypertension in children aged 1 month and older: typically 0.08 mg/kg once daily, adjusted by a clinician; maximum 0.58 mg/kg or 40 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Dry cough
- Low blood pressure
- Raised potassium or kidney problems
Important warnings
- Can cause serious harm or death during pregnancy; stop promptly if pregnancy occurs.
- Avoid with previous ACE-inhibitor-related angioedema or sacubitril/valsartan use within 36 hours.
- Monitor kidney function and potassium, especially with kidney disease or dehydration.
- Seek urgent care for swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
Pregnancy
Not recommended; can cause fetal injury, particularly later in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter milk; generally considered compatible, but extra caution is appropriate for newborn or premature infants.
Interactions
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium.
- NSAIDs may worsen kidney function and reduce blood-pressure control.
- Lithium levels and toxicity may increase.
- Sacubitril/valsartan increases angioedema risk; allow at least 36 hours between treatments.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.