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 initially, adjusted to 10–40 mg daily. Heart failure: usually 2.5 mg twice daily initially, adjusted gradually to 20 mg daily.
Usual dose in children
For high blood pressure in children: usually 0.08 mg/kg once daily initially; adjusted by a clinician, maximum 0.58 mg/kg or 40 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Dry cough
- Dizziness or low blood pressure
- High potassium
- Changes in kidney function
Important warnings
- Can cause serious harm or death to the developing fetus; avoid during pregnancy.
- Rarely causes facial, tongue, or throat swelling that can obstruct breathing.
- Kidney function and potassium may need monitoring.
- May cause a marked blood-pressure drop, especially with dehydration.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester; it can injure or kill the developing fetus.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk. Use requires clinical consideration, especially for newborn or premature infants.
Interactions
- Potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes can raise potassium.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may worsen kidney function or reduce blood-pressure control.
- Lithium levels may rise.
- Aliskiren or sacubitril/valsartan increases risks; specific combinations are contraindicated.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.