Drug reference
enalapril
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (ACE Inhibitors)
Mechanism of action
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors dilate arteries and veins by competitively inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor) and by inhibiting bradykinin metabolism; these actions result in preload and afterload reductions on the heart
ACE inhibitors also promote sodium and water excretion by inhibiting angiotensin-II induced aldosterone secretion; elevation in potassium may also be observed
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Hypotension
- Cough
Boxed warnings
- Discontinue as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected; affects renin-angiotensin system, causing oligohydramnios, which may result in fetal injury and/or death
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to enalapril/other ACE inhibitors History of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, hereditary or idiopathic angioedema Coadministration of neprilysin inhibitors (eg, sacubitril) with ACE inhibitors may increase angioedema risk; do not administer ACE inhibitors within 36 hr of swi…
Known interactions (3)
- enalapril + lithium Major
- Betamethasone + enalapril Moderate
- enalapril + Hydrochlorothiazide Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is enalapril?
enalapril belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does enalapril work?
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors dilate arteries and veins by competitively inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor) and by inhibiting bradykinin metabolism; these actions result in preload and afterload reductions on the heart ACE inhibitors also promote sodium and water excretion by inhibiting angiotensin-II induced aldosterone secretion; elevation in potassium may also be observed
What are the common side effects of enalapril?
Dizziness, Headache, Chest pain, Hypotension, Cough
Which drugs interact with enalapril?
lithium, Betamethasone, Hydrochlorothiazide
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