Enalapril 5mg

Enalapril 5mg — Uses and Benefits

Enalapril 5mg is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to manage heart failure.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Managing symptoms of heart failure
• Protecting the kidneys in some patients with diabetes, as advised by a doctor
• Reducing strain on the heart after certain heart conditions, if prescribed

HOW IT WORKS

• Blocks an enzyme called ACE that narrows blood vessels
• Helps blood vessels relax and widen
• Lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow
• Reduces the amount of work the heart has to do

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not a painkiller or fever medicine
• Not used for treating infections
• Not a quick fix for a sudden hypertensive emergency without medical supervision
• Not recommended during pregnancy

This medicine should be taken regularly, even if you feel well, because high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor.

How to Use Enalapril 5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Can be taken with or without food
• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water
• Try to take it at the same time every day
• Do not crush or chew unless advised by your doctor
• Continue taking it even if you feel well, unless told to stop

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, set a reminder or ask your pharmacist for tips

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original packaging until use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Enalapril 5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dry, persistent cough
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness
• Nausea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin rash
• Changes in taste
• Low blood pressure symptoms like feeling faint
• Diarrhoea or stomach upset
• Muscle cramps

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of angioedema)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Very low urine output or swelling in legs (kidney problems)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness or fainting

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Enalapril 5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

Enalapril 5mg is a prescription-only medicine in India and should not be taken without a doctor's advice.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had swelling of face or throat (angioedema) with any ACE inhibitor before
• Are allergic to enalapril or similar medicines

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have diabetes
• Have low blood pressure or are dehydrated
• Are on a low-salt diet or take potassium supplements
• Are undergoing dialysis
• Have any heart valve problems

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Diuretics (water tablets)
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing medicines
• Other blood pressure medicines
• Painkillers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) used regularly
• Lithium
• Diabetes medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking this medicine once my blood pressure is normal?

No, do not stop without your doctor's advice, as blood pressure can rise again.

Why do I have a dry cough with this medicine?

A dry cough is a known side effect of enalapril; tell your doctor if it becomes troublesome.

Is it safe to take this medicine with alcohol?

• Alcohol can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect and cause dizziness, so it is best to limit alcohol intake.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.