What to do if you accidentally take a pill of enalapril. Special instructions for use

Drugs belonging to the group of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors began to be widely used in medical practice more than 40 years ago and to this day are one of the most effective means to combat arterial hypertension. A widely used representative of this group is Enalapril. Instructions for use Enalapril includes a detailed description of the indications, contraindications, method of application of the drug, its side effects and other features of use.

Description and clinical properties

Enalapril is produced in the form of tablets for oral use. Externally, the tablets have a white or grayish tint, are available in dosages of 5, 10 and 20 mg. The product is packed in blisters. The carton contains 2-3 plates.

The main active ingredient of the drug is enalapril maleate. Its concentration in one tablet depends on the form of production, it is 0.005, 0.01 and 0.02 g, respectively.

Indications for appointment

Enalapril's instructions for use include rather limited indications for use. This is explained by the specific and rather strong effect of the drug, as well as a large list of side effects and contraindications.

In medical practice, the drug is prescribed to patients under the following conditions:

  • various stages of hypertension. The strength of the drug is adjusted by reducing or increasing the dosage individually for each patient;
  • arterial hypertension of various etiologies. Many years of experience shows that it is Enalapril that is one of the most effective means in the fight against high blood pressure;
  • chronic heart failure, as well as severe forms of pathology, in particular, during the recovery period after a myocardial infarction to restore the functioning of the left ventricle of the heart;
  • heart failure, accompanied by congestive processes;
  • Enalapril is used as a complex treatment for bronchospastic conditions;
  • treatment of left ventricular dysfunction occurring in a latent form;
  • IHD, accompanied by attacks of angina pectoris and other manifestations.

Important! In various conditions, the dosage of the drug varies greatly, so taking the medicine on your own, even in small quantities, can be dangerous to your health.

Mode of application

How to take Enalapril? Tablets are intended for oral use, that is, ingestion. The drug should be washed down only with clean water, since in alliance with juices, tea, coffee and other drinks, the remedy sometimes gives a negative effect.

During treatment, the dosage should be strictly observed.

To achieve a faster result, the tablet is allowed to be put under the tongue, hold it until completely dissolved. Usually this method is indicated for patients with a hypertensive crisis to quickly lower blood pressure.

How long does the remedy work

The therapeutic effect of Enalapril occurs approximately 60 minutes after ingestion. It is during this period that the highest concentration of the active component of the drug in the blood is noted.

The duration of the hypotensive action is about 24 hours. The time of action of the drug increases in patients with heart failure, as well as in patients with kidney and liver diseases.

The effect of the drug is enhanced when taken twice. In most cases, the initial dose is from 5 mg, increasing in stages with good tolerability of the drug.

How long does the drug work? The half-life is up to 5 hours. After that, the effect of Enalapril is somewhat reduced.

The therapeutic effect of the drug is enhanced when used simultaneously with calcium antagonists and thiazide diuretics.

How many times a day

The number of doses and dosage of the drug is determined by the leading physician based on the patient's history and complaints. Enalapril is usually prescribed as monotherapy at a dose of 10-20 mg twice a day.

With the complex treatment of one or another condition, the doctor prescribes 1 tablet in the morning or evening. The duration of treatment is individual for each patient.

Take before or after meals

Instructions for use of Enalapril H and other drug brands do not indicate clear restrictions on taking tablets before or after meals. The drug can be drunk both before meals and after meals. This practically does not affect the therapeutic effect of the drug.


Enalapril drink regardless of food intake

At what pressure

Many patients are interested in, at what pressure should the drug be taken? The use of enalapril is indicated by patients with even a slight increase in blood pressure against the background of essential hypertension, since this causes a violation of the blood circulation of the brain and heart muscle.

In hypertension, it is recommended to take Enalapril with an increase in the mercury column of more than 120/90.

If the working pressure of a person is 100/60, the agent is used already when the indicators increase to 120/90.

Dosage of the drug

Annotation to Enalopril indicates that the drug is taken before, after or during meals at a dosage prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis. Treatment with the drug is carried out both in the role of independent and complex therapy.

Self Therapy

In the initial stages of treatment, patients are usually prescribed ¼ tablets of 20 mg. If within 7-14 days there is no effect and the pressure does not decrease to normal levels, the dosage is gradually increased. In this case, the daily dose should not exceed 40 mg of the drug.

Complex treatment

In the treatment of heart failure and other conditions as a means of complex therapy, Enalapril is prescribed 2.5 mg once a day. Gradually, the dosage of the drug increases, but not more than 2–2.5 mg every 7 days.

In case of heart failure of a chronic nature, the dosage is 2.5 mg at the first stages. The rate increases gradually, 1 time per week by 2–2.5 mg.


The dosage of the drug is selected by the doctor on an individual basis.

With hypertension of the renovascular type, the daily norm of the drug cannot exceed 20 mg. At the initial stage, the patient is shown taking ¼ tablets twice a day.

Important! Particular attention is given to patients suffering from low systolic blood pressure. The initial dose for such patients should be no more than 1 - 1.25 mg of the drug.

Alcohol compatibility

Combining Enalapril and alcohol is prohibited in any dosage. Such an effect can cause a number of serious complications that are dangerous to the health and life of the patient. The fact is that against the background of taking alcoholic beverages, the effect of the drug may increase, which will lead to a severe form of arterial hypotension.

The compatibility of Enalapril and alcohol is highly undesirable for patients suffering from kidney and liver diseases. Negative consequences include persistent hypotension, disorders of the central nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.

In addition, strong drinks increase the risk of development and the intensity of possible side effects of the drug. The patient may experience severe headaches, nausea, dizziness and other unpleasant manifestations.

In case of impaired renal function

In severe pathologies of the kidneys, the drug is completely contraindicated. The use of the drug can lead to dangerous complications that are incompatible with life.

With moderate organ dysfunction, Enalapril can be used at an initial dosage of 2.5 mg per day. The maximum amount of the drug should not exceed 20 mg throughout the day.

With severe renal dysfunction, the patient is prescribed a drug at a dosage of 2.5 mg per day, the permissible daily amount of the drug does not exceed 10 mg.

With narrowing of the renal artery of a unilateral or bilateral nature, Enalapril is not used.

In violation of liver function

Liver diseases are a direct contraindication to the use of enalapril. In extremely rare cases, a specialist may decide to prescribe a drug in limited doses if other medications do not give the desired therapeutic effect.


In liver disease, enalapril is prescribed with caution.

Appointment in old age

For elderly patients, the remedy is prescribed after a complete examination in a hospital setting. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the dynamics of blood pressure, urine and blood tests.

The initial dosage for patients over 65 years of age should be 2.5 mg. No more than 10 mg of the drug is allowed per day.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Instructions for use states that during the period of bearing a baby and breastfeeding, treatment with Enalapril is strictly contraindicated. If the need to take the drug nevertheless arose, the babies of such mothers should be under close medical supervision, and be tested regularly.

Influence on the ability to control complex mechanisms

Patients undergoing treatment with Enalapril should be careful to conduct work activities that require increased concentration, quick mental and physical reactions. In some cases, it is possible to develop individual reactions of the body, in particular, after taking large doses, combining the drug with alcohol.

Appointment in childhood

There is no data on the safety of the drug among children under 18 years of age, therefore, in pediatrics, the drug is used only when it is very necessary in emergency situations.

drug interaction

Including Enalapril in the prescription, the specialist must necessarily take into account its interaction with other drugs:

  • the hypotensive effect of the drug decreases when it is combined with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • in alliance with diuretic tablets, the vasodilating effect of Enalapril is enhanced;
  • vitamin complexes, including potassium, potassium-sparing diuretics, when used simultaneously with enalapril, increase the risk of an excess of potassium in the body - hyperkalemia;
  • means, including sodium chloride, reduce the hypotensive effect of the drug;
  • the antihypertensive effect is enhanced when the agent is combined with narcotic drugs used for anesthesia;
  • when using drugs containing insulin, against the background of enalapril, their hypoglycemic effect is enhanced;
  • cases of leukopenia have been reported with the combination of the described agent with cytostatics, immunosuppressants, and some hormones.

Important! Self-treatment with Enalapril often provokes serious consequences for the life and health of the patient. The remedy should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

Conditions of storage and sale from pharmacies

When buying Enalapril in a pharmacy, you must present a prescription. Store the medicine in a place protected from children at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. The shelf life from the date of production is 3 years. After the end of this period, the use of the product is strictly not recommended.

Many patients have a question about whether it is possible to combine Enalapril with alcohol. To understand it, it may not be enough to read the instructions. To do this, you need to understand the principle of the effect of the drug on the human body. Enalapril is an effective antihypertensive drug that has a vasodilating effect. The use of the drug requires caution and strict adherence to the prescribed dosages and frequency of administration. Let's see if it is possible to drink Enalapril with alcohol and what consequences this may have for the body.

Incompatibility and mechanism of action

According to the instructions for use, it is forbidden to take Enalapril and alcohol at the same time. This is due to the property of the drug to reduce blood pressure, and under the influence of alcohol, the effectiveness of the tablets increases.

Many believe that in combination with alcohol, Enalapril lowers blood pressure faster and prolongs the effect of the tablets. However, such a statement is far from the truth. Indeed, Enalapril, washed down with alcohol, acts much faster, but this is fraught with too rapid a decrease in pressure in the arteries, which can lead to serious consequences for the patient's health. In addition, the active components of the drug increase the intensity of intoxication, which also negatively affects the functioning of internal organs and body systems.

Careful dosage selection

When a specialist prescribes Enalapril, he carefully selects the dosage and frequency of administration, depending on the blood pressure indicators, as well as the condition and age of the patient. Simultaneous intake of tablets with alcoholic beverages increases the effect of the drug, which can lead to an overdose and a general weakening of the body.

People with alcohol addiction

It is not recommended to prescribe the drug to patients who have a history of alcohol dependence. The use of excessive amounts of alcohol, which is of a regular nature, leads to the expansion of the vessels of the circulatory system. Against the background of the forced abandonment of a bad habit for the treatment of Enalapril, a backlash occurs, and the pressure rises. In such a situation, the drug will not only not have a therapeutic effect, but will also lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition and, as a result, to pathological processes in the liver and the vascular system and heart.

Even a minimal amount of alcohol with Enalapril can have serious pathological consequences for the human body.

Consequences of combining alcohol and pills

Serious disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism can be observed even with the use of minimal dosages of alcohol during treatment with Enalapril. The most common complications of this combination are:

  1. Increased respiratory rate.
  2. Hoarseness in chest.
  3. Increased severity of intoxication.
  4. Increase in heart rate.
  5. Noise in ears.
  6. Veil before the eyes.
  7. Coordination disorders of motor activity.
  8. Nausea and urge to vomit.
  9. Convulsive syndrome.
  10. Appetite disturbance.
  11. State of depression.
  12. Diarrhea.
  13. Infrequent urge to urinate.
  14. Violation of the circulatory process in the brain, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.
  15. A state of nervous excitement.

With the simultaneous use of "Enalapril" and alcohol, the consequences can be the saddest.

Contacting a doctor

At the first sign of these symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner. If the patient's condition is rapidly deteriorating, it is necessary to organize a state of rest for him and call an ambulance. The combination of pills with alcohol can have unforeseen consequences for the body, and the lack of qualified help can lead to a stroke.

What to do before the ambulance arrives?

Before the ambulance workers arrive, the patient should be laid horizontally, their blood pressure should be measured. If the pressure is significantly below normal, you need to try to restore blood flow. This can be done by pressing the patient's head to his knees, which will allow the brain to return to normal. In addition, it is recommended to perform a gastric lavage in order to maximize the drug and alcohol. To this end, the patient needs to drink at least two liters of water, which should cause the urge to vomit. You can also use an enema.

Orthostatic type hypotension

It should be borne in mind that the simultaneous use of Enalapril and alcoholic beverages can lead to the development of orthostatic hypotension. This pathological condition is due to weak cardiac blood flow, which significantly reduces pressure in the arteries. In this case, oxygen starvation begins in the human brain, which can lead to a pre-fainting state and further loss of consciousness.

Many are interested in whether or not Enalapril can be combined with alcohol.

Among some patients, there is an opinion that with the help of medicine you can get rid of a hangover. This opinion is also erroneous, since antihypertensive pills can have and adversely affect human health.

Will it help with a hangover?

It is even more reckless to believe that you can drink Enalapril with low-alcohol drinks to prevent a hangover. This is an unacceptable error that will lead to unpredictable consequences. Many believe that the pill can relieve headaches the next morning after taking large doses of alcohol. However, a headache will not only be present, but will also be accompanied by a sharp decrease in pressure, which can cause a heart attack. Adverse reactions of the body in this case can develop so rapidly that doctors will only have to state the death of the patient.

Reviews of the compatibility of Enalapril with alcohol should be read in advance.

Systemic violations

The drug is part of the drugs from the group of ACE blockers. The composition of the drug is supplemented with substances that have a hypotensive effect and effectively expand the vessels of the brain, thereby reducing blood pressure. Enalapril maleate as the active substance of the drug reduces the production of aldosterone, which leads to relaxation of the muscles of arterial cells.

"Enalapril" has a prolonged action, and the peak of its effectiveness falls on the fourth hour after taking the pill. Simultaneous administration of the drug with alcoholic beverages can lead to the following systemic disorders:

1. The accumulation of erythrocytes in the blood and the formation of dense growths from them. The resulting accumulations settle on the vascular walls and lead to the formation of blood clots, the separation of which leads to blockage of the arteries and death.

2. Failure in the functioning of the heart. The elasticity of the heart muscles decreases, a nutrient deficiency occurs, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

3. Violation of the liver. Any drug adversely affects the liver, and in combination with alcohol, the negative effect increases significantly. The cells of the organ are destroyed, the deposition of fatty tissues occurs, which disrupts the process of filtering the blood and removing toxins.

Alcoholic drinks can enhance the negative effect of any drug. Therefore, in fact, the combination of pills and alcohol leads to an inevitable overdose.

Rules for taking Enalapril after alcohol

If this combination could not be avoided, then the following recommendations should be taken into account:

1. Within three hours after taking the drug, it is necessary to consume as much liquid as possible, it is best to use plain clean water without gas. So it will be possible to quickly remove the remnants of alcohol from the body. You can also eat more hot food (such as a bowl of soup).

2. If you take "Enadapril" with alcohol once, the likelihood of adverse reactions is reduced to zero. However, in the case of a systematic intake in such a combination, the help of doctors will be needed.

3. If a person is dependent on alcohol and needs to start taking the drug, a specialist should be consulted.

4. With prolonged use of the drug, it is required to exclude alcohol for a period of three days to one month.

5. At the end of the course, you should take a break of at least two days before you start drinking alcohol.

6. If a feast is planned, Enalapril should be replaced with other antihypertensive drugs that have a quick effect and are excreted from the body over several hours.

It should be borne in mind that any derivatives of Enalapril, including Hexal Enalapril, have the same indications and restrictions for combination with alcohol.

Enalapril and alcohol: reviews

Despite all the warnings of the instructions and the warnings of doctors, many combine taking this drug with alcoholic beverages. For most, this is an effective way to quickly and effectively normalize blood pressure. Such a negligent attitude cannot be called correct, since it can lead to serious consequences for all systems and organs of the body.

There are reviews of those who use Enalapril with 50 grams of vodka and claim that their condition is noticeably improving, although other drugs taken do not give the desired effect. Indeed, a single use of such a method of treatment may not have pronounced consequences for the body. However, in case of systematic violation of the doctor's prescriptions and instructions, adverse reactions will not keep you waiting.

You can find quite a lot of reviews about the combination of Hexal Enalapril with alcohol, and almost all of them are positive. But every person who takes a pill with alcohol should take into account that this is a certain risk and a high probability of getting serious complications, even death.

There are also cases when, after the simultaneous administration of an antihypertensive drug with alcohol, a person ended up in a hospital bed with a heart attack. Taking risks or not is up to each individual. But sometimes it is still safer to choose the right drug to lower blood pressure. This can often be done only by trial and error, since the body of each person has its own characteristics. You should take care of your health, and not make dubious experiments, because the consequences can sometimes be sad.

We examined the compatibility of Enalapril with alcohol.

If it is necessary to take any medications, the attending physician must consult the patient regarding contraindications, possible side effects, compatibility with other drugs and alcoholic beverages. For those who suffer from high blood pressure or heart failure, and at the same time often drink alcohol, you should find out if you can take alcohol and Enalapril at the same time. To do this, you must carefully study the instructions for the drug, the principle of its action and data on the possibility of combining with alcoholic beverages.

The main characteristics of the drug

Enalapril belongs to the group of effective drugs that allow you to lower blood pressure and control its performance during treatment. Previously, the drug was produced under the name Enalapril-AKOS.

The active components of Enalapril normalize the condition of hypertension of the second and third degree, reducing systolic and diastolic pressure, and also reduce the level of stress on the heart muscle.

Taking Enalapril tablets, provided that the dosage is observed, does not affect the functioning of the brain and does not affect blood circulation in this area. That is why this remedy is prescribed for the prevention of heart failure.

Tablets increase a person's ability to withstand physical activity, reduce deformations in the left ventricle.

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The drug is prescribed in the following cases:

  • various forms of arterial hypertension;
  • heart failure;
  • angina;
  • cardiac ischemia;
  • chronic renal failure;
  • diabetic nephropathy;
  • bronchospastic conditions.

Sometimes this drug is prescribed to patients who have recently had a heart attack - Enalapril helps to improve the functioning of the damaged heart muscle.

The main active ingredient of the drug is enalaprilamaleate. It is available in the form of tablets with different concentrations of the active ingredient - 5, 10 and 20 mg.

Enalapril is taken orally. The time of admission is not related to meals.

The effect of taking the tablets is observed after an hour, the most pronounced effect occurs after 6 hours. The total duration of the effect after a single dose of the drug is 24 hours.

It is worth paying attention: Enalapril has a diuretic effect, therefore, 2-3 days before the start of taking the drug, you should stop taking diuretics.

The duration of treatment with this medication depends on the results obtained during therapy and is determined only by the attending physician.

Contraindications and adverse reactions

Before starting therapy, the patient should familiarize himself with the list of contraindications for taking Enalapril tablets, as well as with possible adverse reactions that may occur.

Enalapril is forbidden to use in the following cases:

  • during pregnancy and during the lactation period;
  • under the age of 18;
  • if the patient has hypersensitivity to the individual components of the drug;
  • with significant loss of salts or liquid;
  • with stenosis of the renal arteries.

With extreme caution, the drug is prescribed if the patient has diabetes mellitus, suffers from impaired liver function, kidney failure, and has autoimmune pathologies. Also, careful monitoring is necessary if the patient is in old age - from 65 years and older.

Adverse reactions from taking Enalapril are manifested in:

  • violation of the kidneys;
  • the appearance of protein in the urine;
  • pain in the abdomen;
  • stool problems;
  • pain in the region of the heart;
  • heart palpitations;
  • dry cough;
  • allergic reactions;
  • muscle cramps;
  • development of pneumonia, rhinorrhea;
  • the appearance of noise in the ears;
  • nervousness;
  • decreased libido;
  • sleep disturbance.

If the drug is taken incorrectly, an overdose is possible, in which the following manifestations are observed:

  • development of myocardial infarction;
  • hypotension;
  • violation of cerebral circulation;
  • thromboembolic complications.

It is necessary to pay attention: Enalapril tablets affect the concentration of a person, which necessitates the refusal for the period of treatment from driving, complex mechanisms, as well as performing work that requires extreme caution.

During treatment with this drug, exposure to high temperatures should be avoided, as this creates the conditions for a stronger decrease in blood pressure.

If there are specific reactions of the body to taking the drug, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help.

Compatibility of the drug with other drugs

Enalapril should be taken with caution, given the fact that it cannot be combined with a number of medications.

With the parallel administration of this drug with individual diuretics, a sharp decrease in pressure is observed, therefore Enalapril cannot be combined with diuretics.

Also, you can not drink Enalapril tablets in parallel with taking dietary supplements containing potassium. Otherwise, the risk of developing hyperkalemia increases significantly - a metabolic disorder provoked by an excess of the concentration of potassium salts in the blood.

The effectiveness of the drug is reduced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Alcohol and enalapril: are they compatible?

The patient, even undergoing outpatient treatment, often continues to attend various events where alcohol is supposed to be drunk, therefore, before taking the drug, he should familiarize himself with the compatibility features of alcohol and Enalapril.

The interaction of any medication with alcoholic beverages is unacceptable. This also applies to the drug Enalapril, although deaths from its combination with alcohol-containing drinks have not been recorded.

By itself, and when combined with Enalapril, it has an even more devastating effect on the body:

  • it seeps into the blood plasma and contributes to the formation of blood clots - the connection of red blood cells into a dense formation. That is why in alcoholism there is a high risk that a large number of such compounds are formed. This is dangerous by the separation of a blood clot - this can lead to death;
  • alcohol acts as a toxin on the heart. Getting into this most important organ through the blood, alcohol poisons it, which leads to a loss of elasticity of the heart muscle. It can also develop, in which there is an increase in the volume of the heart. In the presence of blood clots, parallel blockage of blood vessels occurs, due to which the heart is deficient in oxygen and nutrients. Under such conditions, heart cells die, and this is fraught with the development of a heart attack. Also, alcohol contributes to the occurrence of spasm of the coronary vessels, cardiac arrhythmias;
  • liver cells under the influence of alcohol are destroyed and replaced by fat, so the useful volume decreases and the body cannot fully cleanse the blood of toxins and decomposition products.

Alcohol inhibits the activity of nerve cells, contributes to the disruption of mental activity and the functions of the respiratory system. It is also able to linger in the gonads, affecting the reproductive function.

The consequence of combining drugs and alcohol-containing drinks can be the development of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cardiologists note that alcohol consumption is becoming a common cause of death in people who suffer from coronary heart disease.

The inhibition of enzymes that occurs when drinking alcohol enhances the effect of drugs and leads to intoxication of the body, even when taking standard habitual doses.

In general, according to experts from the World Health Organization, alcohol causes more than 60 types of diseases and disorders.

In the instructions for the drug Enalapril, it is emphasized that taking the tablets cannot be combined with alcohol, since the latter enhances the effect of the drug. This principle must be followed throughout the course of treatment. The consequences of the combination are:

  • dizziness;
  • feeling of weakness;
  • a sharp drop in blood pressure;
  • violation of the heart rhythm;
  • nausea;
  • depression of the central nervous system;
  • orthostatic collapse.

Orthostatic collapse as one of the consequences of combining alcohol with Enalapril is a violation of the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. In this case, there is an outflow of blood from the heart, a decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure. As a result of insufficient blood supply, the brain begins to suffer from oxygen starvation, and this leads to the development of pre-syncope or fainting.

It also happens that this drug is taken after taking alcohol to eliminate the effects of intoxication of the body. This is strictly prohibited, since the consequences can become unpredictable.

Is it possible to correct the situation if the patient nevertheless drank alcohol in parallel with taking the pills? First of all, after taking alcohol, you need to drink as much water as possible in the next 4 hours. In order to prevent undesirable consequences, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Usually, after the end of therapy, it takes from 3 days to a month for the patient to be allowed to take alcohol again.

Many people think: "If I drink alcohol in small quantities, it will not harm and will not affect the effect of the drug", this is a mistake. To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is worth giving up bad habits, since improper use of Enalapril can cause serious complications.

Enalapril has been used in domestic medicine for a long time, and is still in demand among patients suffering from high blood pressure (BP).

The action of this drug is reduced to a decrease in the effect of angiotensin on the vascular bed and to the release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, which ultimately leads to a persistent antihypertensive effect. How to take Enalapril, and with what medicines it can be combined - let's look at the points.


Nevertheless, there are generally accepted standards for how to properly take Enalapril at high pressure, and it is quite possible to rely on them without first consulting a specialist:

  • with arterial hypertension, the daily dose of the drug should be 10 mg (1 tablet 1 time per day);
  • with heart failure - 2.5 mg (¼ tablet 1 time per day).

In the absence of a tangible effect, the dosage can be increased, but only within 40 mg per day (exceeding this limit is fraught with serious health consequences, even death).

How many times a day?

How effective Enalapril will be, and how many times a day to take this drug, only a qualified cardiologist can determine with accuracy, but in the vast majority of cases, taking this medication is limited to 1 tablet per day.

If we are talking about monotherapy (when the patient is prescribed only Enalapril, without auxiliary medications), then the daily dose at the first stages of treatment is 5 mg, and at later stages - 10-20 mg. Complex therapy, in turn, involves taking 2.5 mg of enalapril per day at the beginning of treatment, and then increasing the daily dose to 5-15 mg with insufficient hypotensive effect.

Before meals or after?

For everyone who is interested in how to take Enalapril (before meals or after), it is important to know that there are no clear instructions in the official instructions on this matter. The fact is that the unique features of the drug make it possible to take it with equal success before, during, or after meals, at the discretion of the patient.

The speed of the onset of a positive effect practically does not depend on whether you took Enalapril on an empty stomach, or after a meal.

In the morning or evening?

Instructions in the instructions about how to take Enalapril - in the morning or in the evening, are also very lengthy. However, although the effectiveness of the drug does not depend on the time of its administration, for reasons of expediency, it is best to do this in the morning (this way you can keep your blood pressure normal throughout the next day).

For example, Enalapril tablets containing 5 mg of the active substance are usually prescribed for mild forms of heart failure and arterial hypertension, and are taken either 1 time per day (morning) or 2 times a day (morning and evening), depending on the patient's condition.

In acute heart failure and severe arterial hypertension, as a rule, tablets with 10 mg of the active substance are prescribed, which are also recommended to be used in the morning (once) or in the morning and evening (twice). In individual cases, a double dose of Enalapril is combined - instead of one tablet in the morning and one in the evening, two are used at once in the middle of the day. Here it all depends on how the drug acts on your body, and the dosage should be adjusted based on your well-being.

The positive effect of high blood pressure pills

Dissolve or drink water?

Many patients are interested in the question: "Enalapril - how to take (dissolve or drink water)?". It is important to remember that with regular use, the tablets should be taken without chewing, with a minimum amount of water. This method is most optimal for long courses of treatment, when the drug is used daily.

If we talk about cases where you only occasionally need to quickly bring down high pressure, then it is best to use Captopril - the so-called "short-acting Enalapril". It should be dissolved by putting it under the tongue. The optimal dose is 25 mg (maximum 50 mg) per day.

What can replace Enalapril - read in this

How to take simultaneously with other medicines?

Enalapril is often prescribed in combination with other drugs, which together significantly improve the picture of the disease and effectively cope with arterial hypertension. Some of them are worth talking about in more detail.

Amlodipine

Many cardiologists prescribe amlodipine and enalapril to their patients. Can these medicines be taken at the same time?

Recent studies show that it is possible, and in tandem, these drugs significantly smooth out the magnitude and speed of the morning rise in blood pressure, which is rarely observed when taken separately. In addition, they significantly reduce the risk of damage to the so-called target organs (heart, brain, kidneys, etc.), suffering from hypertension in the first place. Thus, Enalapril and Amlodipine can be taken together, but this question should still be clarified with your doctor first.

bisoprolol

Enalapril is also often used in conjunction with bisoprolol, which belongs to the category of beta-blockers. This combination requires mandatory dose titration, since if used ineptly, these drugs can lower blood pressure to a critical level, up to fainting and death. Therefore, everyone who is interested in the question: “Bisoprolol and Enalapril - can they be taken together?” Should definitely consult a cardiologist on this matter.

Indapamide

As for diuretics, most often, together with Enalapril, Indapamide is prescribed, which effectively fights swelling caused by heart failure and arterial hypertension. Is it possible to take Enalapril with Indapamide without the knowledge of the attending physician? Definitely not, since the second significantly enhances the hypotensive effect of the first, and can lead to a critical drop in blood pressure.

Euthyrox

Eutiroks and Enalapril - how to take it correctly? A hormonal drug to combat hypothyroidism - Euthyrox - should be used simultaneously with Enalapril very carefully, only after preliminary diagnosis and testing. As a rule, the daily dose of the first, when used together, is up to 120 mg per day, and the second - up to 10 mg per day.

Vinpotropil (piracetam + vinpocetine)

Can the nootropic drug Vinpotropil (which includes Piracetam and Vinpocetine) and Enalapril be taken together? This question is asked by many patients suffering from cerebrovascular accidents against the background of arterial hypertension.

Vinpotropil does reduce systemic blood pressure, but to a small extent, and its effect is mainly to relax cerebral vessels and improve blood microcirculation in brain tissues. You can take it together with Enalapril, but only with strict adherence to the dosage.

Cardiomagnyl

Can I take Enalapril and Cardiomagnyl at the same time? This is quite appropriate in cases where the patient, against the background of arterial hypertension, suffers from atherosclerotic vascular lesions. The non-steroidal antiplatelet agent Cardiomagnyl prevents the development of thrombosis and acute heart failure, but in combination with Enalapril it can be prescribed only after a thorough examination, on the recommendation of the attending physician.

Can Enalapril be taken with alcohol?

Many patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to take Enalapril with alcohol, including low-alcohol drinks: beer, wine, etc. The answer to it can be given unequivocally - it is possible, but only at your own peril and risk. The fact is that without exception, all alcoholic beverages tend to reduce blood pressure, and the drug itself has exactly the same effect.

As a result, the total decrease in pressure can not only worsen your well-being, but also lead to much more serious consequences:

  • CNS depression,
  • orthostatic collapse, etc.

Even with moderate alcohol consumption, taking this medication in most cases leads to spontaneous weakness, dizziness, nausea, impaired perception and coordination of movements. Therefore, before taking Enalapril with high blood pressure along with alcohol, you should think carefully about whether you need such risks.

At low pressure

Those who are interested in whether Enalapril can be taken at low pressure should remember that this drug is hypotensive, and its main purpose is to lower blood pressure. Accordingly, with low blood pressure, its use in most cases is simply not advisable.

Nevertheless, Enalapril has a number of other beneficial effects on the circulatory system that are not associated with hypertension:

  • improves myocardial blood supply;
  • reduces platelet aggregation;
  • normalizes blood flow in the kidneys and brain;
  • has a diuretic effect.

Thanks to these features, you can both take Enalapril at high pressure, and use it to combat other diseases of the circulatory system against the background of low blood pressure. However, this should be done very carefully, and only under the supervision of a cardiologist.

Remember that with reduced systolic pressure (less than 110 mm Hg. Art. The recommended dose of Enalapril is only 1.25-2.50 mg per day.

How long is it allowed to apply?

Another very important question is how long can Enalapril be taken, and does its use harm the human body? On this account, you can be calm, since Enalapril belongs to the category of medicines that can be taken throughout life without any negative health effects. However, like all other cardiac drugs, it requires strict monitoring and regular diagnostics to assess the patient's current condition.

Taking this remedy, you should periodically undergo an examination, controlling the picture of peripheral blood. Based on the results of such an examination, it will be seen whether you can continue to use Enalapril, and how much time to take it. It should also be noted that the refusal to take pills does not cause a sharp increase in blood pressure, which again speaks in favor of this drug and distinguishes it from existing analogues.

Useful video

For more information about high blood pressure medications, see the following video:

Conclusion

  1. About how to take Enalapril correctly, in general terms, you can learn from the official instructions for the drug.
  2. To date, this antihypertensive agent is one of the most effective and inexpensive in its segment.
  3. It must be remembered that in addition to the obvious advantages, it has a considerable number of contraindications and side effects that must be taken into account when prescribing it for use.

With changes in pressure indicators, drug therapy is necessary. Various synthetic and natural preparations are used for treatment. Enalapril - instructions for use, at what pressure does this drug help? What contraindications should be considered?

Enalapril tablets - basic information

Enalapril - an effective and time-tested drug, belongs to ACE inhibitors, which is used to correct systolic and diastolic pressure. At what pressure is it used? The drug is used to treat high blood pressure, it is used alone or in combination with other drugs for hypertension and hypertension.


The drug is produced in the form of tablets, with a dose of the active substance 5, 10, 20 mg. The composition contains the active substance enalapril, auxiliary components that do not have any therapeutic effect.

The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the ability of enalapril to slow down the production of angiotensin, reduce the amount of aldosterone. Due to this, the walls of blood vessels relax, blood flow in the cardiac and renal arteries normalizes, and prevents the development of heart failure and thrombosis.

Does enalapril increase or decrease blood pressure? The drug effectively reduces systolic and diastolic pressure, while not causing a jump in heart rate readings.

What does the drug help? With regular intake, the ability to withstand stress increases, the manifestation of pathological changes in the left ventricle decreases, the load on the heart muscle is weakened, and it prevents the development of nephropathy in diabetics.

Drug analogues:

  • Enam;
  • Invoril;
  • Miopril;
  • Renitex;
  • Enamp.

Enapharm N is a combination drug that contains not only enalapril, but diuretic components - this increases the hypotensive property of the drug.

Enalapril is a budget drug, its price is 30-100 rubles. The cost is influenced by the country of origin - Russian medicines are the cheapest, and Serbian ones have the highest price.

Important! Enalapril is a powerful drug that has many contraindications and side effects, so you can only buy it at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.

Indications and contraindications

Before starting treatment, you must carefully read the instructions for use - it contains all indications, contraindications, adverse reactions and signs of overdose.

Indications for use:

  • any kind of hypertension and hypertension;
  • chronic heart failure;
  • nephropathy in insulin diabetics;
  • pathological changes in the tissues of the left ventricle.

With angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, the drug is included in complex and rehabilitation therapy.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

A remedy that will relieve you of HYPERTENSION in a few tricks

Important! Enalapril acts slowly, so it is not advisable to use it in a hypertensive crisis.

As an effective medicine for hypertension.

It is advised to take the drug "Normaten".

This is a natural remedy that acts on the cause of the disease, completely preventing the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Normaten has no contraindications and begins to act within a few hours after its use. The effectiveness and safety of the drug has been repeatedly proven by clinical studies and many years of therapeutic experience.

The drug is not prescribed during pregnancy, lactating women, persons under 18 years of age, elderly people. The drug is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, porphyria. With caution, you should take the medicine if you have a history of serious kidney pathologies, diseases that impair the outflow of blood from the left ventricle.

Side effects

Enalapril does not belong to modern medicines, it was invented a long time ago, therefore, various adverse reactions often occur when taken. But if the dosage is observed, the drug is well tolerated, negative consequences are rare.

Frequent adverse reactions:

  • cough without sputum, sometimes there is difficulty breathing, pharyngitis;
  • the drug can provoke diarrhea, intestinal obstruction;
  • nausea, aversion to food, ulcer;
  • pain in the heart, bradycardia;
  • deterioration in the clarity of vision;
  • migraine, dizziness, fatigue.

Sometimes, against the background of long-term use, depressive states develop, a rash appears, and body temperature rises. All adverse reactions are reversible, when the drug is discontinued, they quickly disappear.

In case of an overdose, a collapse may occur against the background of a sharp decrease in pressure, a heart attack, disorders in the brain of an ischemic nature, stupor and convulsions. When such symptoms appear, it is urgent to do a gastric lavage, lay the person down, raise the legs, call an ambulance.

Important! Enalapril and alcohol are strictly forbidden to combine. Alcoholic drinks enhance the effect of the drug, which can cause the development of irreversible consequences, a sharp decrease in pressure below the permissible norm.

How to use

The drug is absorbed by 60%, the therapeutic effect appears after 2-4 weeks of regular use. The maximum result is formed 7 hours after administration, lasts throughout the day.

Important! At the initial stage, severe dizziness may occur, the pressure sometimes drops sharply. Therefore, after taking the medicine, it is advisable to stay at home, not to engage in work that requires concentration.

The dosage of the drug depends on the disease, the age of the patient, the presence of chronic diseases.

You can take the medicine regardless of the meal once a day. It is better to drink the medicine in the morning, because it has a slight diuretic effect. With monotherapy, the initial dose is 5 mg, if the condition does not improve, then it is increased by 2 times after 7-14 days. With moderate hypertension, it is enough to take 10 mg of medication per day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg, while the medicine should be drunk in 2 doses.

If Enalapril Geksal is used as part of complex therapy for the treatment of heart failure, then the trial dose is 2.5 mg. It is increased by 2 times after 3-4 days, until the therapeutic effect becomes noticeable.

Enalapril FPO and Akri are taken at any time, 2.5–5 mg once every 24 hours. Maintenance dosage - no more than 20 mg, safe maximum dose - 40 mg.

How long can I take Enalapril? Treatment with the drug is long, in the absence of adverse reactions, it can be taken for life.

Important! Before any surgical intervention, even dental, the doctor should be warned about the treatment with ACE inhibitors.

Comparison of Enalapril with other analogues and substitutes

Many pharmaceutical companies produce various analogues of Enalapril. They differ in cost, composition, but the therapeutic effect of all is almost the same. A high price does not always guarantee the absence of adverse reactions.

Lisinopril or Enalapril - which is more effective? Lisinopril has a negative effect on male potency, a large dosage is required for a therapeutic effect. Enalapril is effective in ischemic disease, excreted by the liver and kidneys. Lisinopril - only by the kidneys.

Enalapril Geksal and Enalapril, is there a difference? Enalapril Geksal is produced by a German pharmaceutical company, Enalapril is Russian. The German counterpart is somewhat more expensive, but in terms of efficiency it is no better than the domestic drug.

Enap and Enalapril - what's the difference? Enap is a drug from Slovenia, it is produced in the form of tablets and injection solutions. It costs several times more expensive, but it works more efficiently, adverse reactions appear extremely rarely.

Enalapril FPO and Enalapril - what's the difference? Both drugs are produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies, have the same effect, side effects. Slightly different in price, the maximum allowable dose of Enalapril FPO is 80 mg, unlike Enalapril.

Captopril or Enalapril - which is more effective? These drugs belong to the same group, have a similar therapeutic effect - they improve the functioning of the heart muscle, normalize high blood pressure. But there are also some differences.

Captopril, even with a mild form of hypertension, should be taken 2-3 times a day, since its effect is shorter. Enalapril maintains optimal pressure indicators longer.

Captopril is effective in hypertensive crisis, Enalapril is not used as an emergency. Captopril is more effective in heart failure, improves endurance, it can be used to prevent death from serious heart disease.

Lorista or Enalapril - which is better? Lorista is a modern drug for the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure. It acts effectively, has a minimum number of adverse reactions - there is no dry cough, male potency does not deteriorate with prolonged use. Lorista can be used in the treatment of persons over 60 years of age, patients with renal insufficiency without dosage adjustment.

Enalapril or Lozap - what's the difference? The drugs have the same effect, they need to be taken once a day, preferably at the same time. There are no special differences in contraindications and side effects.

Enalapril and its analogues are an effective drug for reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the absence of adverse reactions, they can be taken for a long time, but only a doctor can prescribe the dose and duration of treatment. Any self-treatment can lead to serious, irreversible consequences.

According to statistics, about 7 million deaths each year can be attributed to high blood pressure. But studies show that 67% of hypertensive patients do not suspect at all that they are sick! How can you protect yourself and overcome the disease? Dr. Alexander Myasnikov told in his interview how to forget about hypertension forever ...

Home » Treatment » Medication » Enalapril antihypertensive tablets - pharmacological action and instructions for use

The modern antihypertensive drug Enalapril is an effective tool for normalizing blood pressure and eliminating the symptoms of heart failure.

It refers to drugs from the group of ACE inhibitors, which are distinguished by their effectiveness and relative safety.

Enalapril, whose action is explained by the influence of the active substance on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, perfectly lowers blood pressure, starting to have a noticeable effect already 2 hours after taking the drug. So, how to take Enalapril correctly, after how long does the drug begin to act and how not to harm your health?

Composition and forms of release

The active ingredient of the drug is enalapril maleate. Also, the composition of the drug includes lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, magnesium stearate, povidone. The release form of the drug is white tablets, each of which may contain 5, 10, 20 mg of the active substance.

Enalapril tablets

The official name of the drug is Enalapril. But other generics of this drug are also known, including the Slovenian Enap, the Hungarian Ednit and a huge number of combined dosage forms from world brands.

How many units does enalapril lower blood pressure. According to recent studies, the drug reduces blood pressure by at least 8 units.

Pharmacology of the drug

How does Enalapril work? The activity of the drug in relation to high blood pressure is explained by its ability to suppress the enzymes of the angiotensin series, resulting in a decrease in the synthesis of aldosterone.

In addition, the drug improves the blood supply to the brain and internal organs, dilates blood vessels, and with prolonged use helps to eliminate the manifestations of left ventricular hypertrophy, which allows you to suppress the symptoms of heart failure.

The drug has a mild diuretic effect, reduces platelet aggregation and improves coronary blood flow.

Before drinking pills, you should understand how long Enalapril works. The drug begins to act only after an hour, therefore it is not suitable for the immediate elimination of high blood pressure. The maximum effect of the drug is observed 6 hours after consumption.

Some patients require long-term use of the drug to achieve a lasting effect. In such clinical cases, the drug is used for several weeks.

To whom is the medication indicated?

Enalapril is indicated for patients who suffer from the following diseases:

  • primary arterial hypertension;
  • essential and renovascular hypertension;
  • secondary form of arterial hypertension caused by kidney disease;
  • clinically expressed form of heart failure;
  • heart failure associated with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.

The use of the drug in these situations allows you to solve several clinical problems, including:

  • improving the prognosis of the disease;
  • reducing the risk of developing complications that require hospitalization;
  • slowing down the progression of the disease.

Before taking Enalapril with high blood pressure, it is imperative to consult a doctor. An experienced specialist will determine the correct dose of the drug in each case, limit the duration of taking the medication, diagnose the presence of contraindications and assess the likelihood of adverse reactions in the patient.

Contraindications

Like any other drug, Enalapril has a number of contraindications for use.

It is strictly forbidden to use the drug for people who have been diagnosed with the following health disorders:

  • pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
  • porphyria;
  • age less than 18 years;
  • idiopathic and hereditary angioedema;
  • hypersensitivity to drugs from the group of ACE inhibitors;
  • a history of allergic reactions of an immediate type associated with the use of drug forms of the drug;

All contraindications should be considered before using the drug. Otherwise, you can seriously harm your health and provoke the development of life-threatening conditions in a person.

Possible adverse reactions

Side effects from the use of drugs from the group of ACE inhibitors are rare, as evidenced by the data of statistical studies conducted by pharmacologists around the world.

In most clinical cases, during the action of Enalapril, minor adverse reactions from the body are recorded, which are temporary and do not require drug withdrawal.

On the part of the cardiovascular system, there may be pain behind the sternum, a decrease in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, angina attacks and myocardial infarction, as well as tachycardia and syncope. In some cases, experts register the Raynaud phenomenon.

Respiratory function disorders in practice are manifested by shortness of breath, allergic alveolitis, tracheitis and rhinitis with all their consequences. On the part of the digestive tract, dyspeptic disorders, abdominal pain, constipation, intestinal obstruction and the formation of ulcers on the mucous membranes of the stomach are observed. In addition, taking pills can provoke angioedema of the intestine or cause the patient to develop anorexia.

From the side of the liver, hepatoses and yellowing of the skin are possible.

The urinary area can react to taking the medication with the appearance of symptoms of renal failure, proteinuria, oliguria.

Some men note reproductive disorders in the form of impotence and gynecomastia.

The drug can cause changes in the qualitative composition of the blood in the form of anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and the like. The drug is not recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus, as it provokes the occurrence of hypoglycemia and can cause the development of glycemic coma.

Very rarely, the skin reacts to the drug: a small rash, multiple erythema, itching appear. On the part of the psyche, depressive moods, drowsiness, confusion of consciousness are noted. In laboratory tests, changes appear, namely: creatinine and urea in the blood increase, an increase in bilirubin and liver enzymes is noted.

Application features

Many patients are interested in how quickly Enalapril works, how and when it is better to take pills: before or after meals, in the morning or in the evening, and the like.

According to the instructions for use, the action of Enalapril does not depend on food intake.

As monotherapy, the tablets are used in the initial dosage, which is 5 mg per day. The drug is recommended to be taken once a day.

If Enalapril does not reduce pressure, what should I do? The dosage should be increased if Enalapril does not help for 10 days and the effect of taking the drug has not come. In this case, the patient is invited to take 10 mg of the drug per day, without dividing this dose into doses. The maximum daily dose of the drug is not more than 40 mg.

The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the individual characteristics of the human body and the presence of concomitant diseases. As a rule, it is recommended to stop taking diuretics a few days before using the medicine. If this is not possible for health reasons, then the initial dose should be reduced to 0.0025 g per day.

Can Enalapril be taken with alcohol and other medicines?

It is forbidden to drink alcohol together with the drug, as this can potentiate the pharmacological action of the active substance and cause a huge number of negative reactions, which will certainly affect human health.

Enalapril should not be taken with diuretics that reduce its effect. In addition, the drug interacts poorly with other antihypertensive drugs, so their joint use is not recommended.

Related videos

All about Enalapril tablets: after what time it reduces pressure, duration of action and other important points:

Enalapril is an effective means of combating various types of hypertension, which perfectly lowers blood pressure and improves a person's well-being. However, before using the drug, one should take into account contraindications to its administration and assess the risks of adverse reactions. It is strictly forbidden to take pills on your own. This can be done only after a doctor's prescription.

Enalapril (renitek, berlipril, enap, ednit, enam, invoril, minipril, etc.) is available in tablets of 2.5, 5.10 and 20 mg and in solutions for intravenous administration of 12.5 mg / ml, is part of combined preparations of corenitek, Enap-HL (10/20 mg of enalapril and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide) and Enap-N (10 mg of enalapril and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide). Enalapril is the first representative of long-acting ACE inhibitors, after which, in numerous studies, these drugs have firmly established themselves as first-line drugs for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

Studies in 1987 and 1991 showed the ability of enalapril to significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with heart failure, the risk of its further progression, and increase the survival of these patients.

Read the article "

Pressure pills: questions and answers

  • How to manage blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol at the same time
  • The pressure pills prescribed by the doctor used to help well, but now they have begun to act weaker. Why?
  • What to do if the pressure does not reduce even the strongest pills
  • What to do if hypertension drugs lower blood pressure too much
  • High blood pressure, hypertensive crisis - features of treatment in young, middle and old age

No more shortness of breath, headaches, pressure surges and other symptoms of HYPERTENSION! Our readers for the treatment of pressure are already using this method.

To learn more…

Enapapril itself is not active, after ingestion it undergoes biotransformation with the formation of biologically active enalaprilat. 60% of the drug is absorbed from the digestive tract; food intake does not affect this indicator. The peak plasma concentration of enalapril occurs 1 hour after administration and is maintained at the achieved level for about 3-4 hours. The half-life of the drug is up to 5 hours.

Enalapril - duration of action and dosage

Enalapril has a duration of action of up to 24 hours. It may increase with heart failure, impaired liver function and reduced renal perfusion. In this regard, the dose of enalapril in this category of patients should be reduced, especially at the beginning of treatment, in order to avoid hypotension of the first dose and hyperkalemia.

With double use, the duration of action of enalapril increases. The initial dose of the drug for hypertension is 5 mg 2 times a day; if a sufficient decrease in blood pressure is not observed, it should be increased to 20 mg per day; the maximum daily dose is 40 mg, it is preferable to prescribe it in two divided doses. The active metabolite of enalapril, enalaprilat, is used intravenously to relieve hypertensive crises. Intravenous administration of enapapril requires careful monitoring of blood pressure. Begin with the introduction of 6.25 mg (0.5 ml) solution. With good tolerance, 12.5 mg is administered every 6-8 hours.

The antihypertensive efficacy of enalapril is significantly enhanced with the simultaneous use of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics or calcium antagonists.

Like other ACE inhibitors, enalapril protects the heart and kidneys, improves the relaxation properties of the vascular wall, and is well tolerated. Side effects, contraindications and precautions are the same as for other ACE inhibitors.

See also the article “ ACE inhibitors: side effects“.

04/23/2014, Nika, 60 years old

Current medications: enalapril 5 mg

The conclusion of the ECG, ultrasound, other studies: Hypertrophy of the lion. ventricle. Rheumatism?? - I'm not clear.

Should I take enalapril continuously and constantly? Pressure - in the morning 140/90, in the evening - up to 160/105, sometimes 170/115. It happens occasionally 130/85, then I feel a slight weakness, drowsiness, headache.

More articles on this topic:

  1. The pressure dropped to 102/64. Can I take enalapril?
  2. How to take enalapril correctly?
  3. Directory of drugs
  4. Is your chest pain cardiac?
  5. Do I need to take something constantly for pressure?
  6. Enalapril in Enap and Renitek preparations
  7. Do I need to take Capoten all the time?


04/23/2014, Nika, 60 years old

Current medications: enalapril 5 mg

The conclusion of the ECG, ultrasound, other studies: Hypertrophy of the lion. ventricle. Rheumatism?? - I'm not clear.

Should I take enalapril continuously and constantly? Pressure - in the morning 140/90, in the evening - up to 160/105, sometimes 170/115. It happens occasionally 130/85, then I feel a slight weakness, drowsiness, headache.

More articles on this topic:

  1. The pressure dropped to 102/64. Can I take enalapril?
  2. How to take enalapril correctly?
  3. Directory of drugs
  4. Is your chest pain cardiac?
  5. Do I need to take something constantly for pressure?
  6. Enalapril in Enap and Renitek preparations
  7. Do I need to take Capoten all the time?

Today, diseases of the cardiovascular system are among the main causes of death in the population.

Improper diet, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking - all this negatively affects the health of the heart and blood vessels. The most common disease in this area is hypertension.


Hypertensive patients, according to medical statistics, are up to 40% of the adult population of the country. The article will focus on the drug, which is designed to deal with this problem. Enalapril, instructions for use, at what pressure to take - you can find out about everything by reading the material below.

Table of contents [Show]

Raises or lowers blood pressure?

This medicinal product contains the active ingredient of the same name, which is an inhibitor of the enzyme responsible for increasing blood pressure. Enalapril gently reduces its concentration, which explains its therapeutic effect. Additionally, it dilates arteries and, to a lesser extent, veins, improving blood flow throughout the body.

At what pressure should I take it?

Often you can hear from patients: “Enalapril - does it increase or decrease blood pressure?”. Cardiologists say that Enalapril pressure tablets, due to the ability to deactivate the corresponding enzyme, have a hypotonic effect. They are good at lowering blood pressure with its elevated rates.

Additionally, enalapril dilates blood vessels from pressure, which helps to reduce the load on the left ventricle of the heart. Therefore, this drug is prescribed to people with heart failure to compensate for it.


Tablets from high blood pressure Enalapril are also shown in the complex therapy of kidney diseases. Thanks to the intake of tablets, their blood circulation improves, the risk of their damage in both types of diabetes mellitus decreases.

Instructions for use

Enalapril, according to the instructions for use, is taken from pressure, is available in the form of tablets with various dosages of the active substance (5, 10 and 20 mg.).

For different purposes of therapy, a different volume of medication is prescribed. It also depends on the age and medical history of the patient.

Attention! Do not start taking the drug without consulting a specialist. It has a number of contraindications and is not applicable in some cases.

Tablets are taken regardless of food intake, with a sufficient amount of liquid.

We examined the properties of the drug Enalapril, at what pressure to take it, according to the instructions for use. But this drug, like any other, has side effects. These include:


  • sharp or undulating pains in the chest or behind the left shoulder blade;
  • a significant decrease in blood pressure in humans;
  • disruptions in the heart rhythm;
  • migraines and dizziness.

It is also extremely rare, noted in the instructions for use, that side effects such as:

  • violation of the chair;
  • increased anxiety of the patient;
  • depressive states;
  • decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood;
  • decrease in the absolute number of platelets;
  • deterioration in kidney function;
  • negative changes in urine tests.

Often patients taking Enalapril suffer from a dry cough. It does not require treatment and disappears on its own after discontinuation of therapy.

Pregnant women or nursing mothers are not prescribed the drug. If there is an urgent need to take it, breastfeeding should be interrupted.

With caution, you should use the drug, as noted in the instructions for use, if:

  • Are you on a salt-free diet?
  • you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in parallel;
  • you have been diagnosed with any systemic connective tissue disease;
  • you have elevated potassium in your blood;
  • there is renal or hepatic insufficiency;
  • there are ischemic disorders.

All such phenomena should be reported to your doctor, who prescribes this medicine for you.

Alcohol enhances the effect of the drug, as does taking diuretics. This is noted in the instructions for use and should be taken into account if you are prescribed such therapy.

During treatment, you should regularly monitor blood pressure data and blood counts, the state of the liver and kidneys.

At the beginning of therapy with Enalapril, you should stop driving a car, an activity that requires increased concentration. Since against the background of taking pills, dizziness and a sharp deterioration in well-being can be observed. It is permissible to return to a normal lifestyle after the selection of the final dosage of the drug and its good tolerance for at least two weeks.


Symptoms of hypertension

Dosage

Attention! All treatment regimens are selected strictly by your attending physician, taking into account the anamnesis and individual characteristics of the body. All the schemes below are of a general averaged nature.

Enalapril is usually started at a high pressure of 5 mg per day. If the drug is well tolerated by the patient, then after 10 days the dosage of Enalapril at high pressure can be doubled.

Often patients ask the question: "How to drink enalapril from high blood pressure with kidney disease?":

  • if the increase in blood pressure is caused by problems in the functioning of the human urinary system, then according to the standard scheme, the patient is prescribed 2.5 mg of the drug per day;
  • with good tolerance, the daily dose can be increased to 20 mg.

In the elderly, it is customary to start taking the drug with 1.25 mg per day.

If necessary, according to the instructions for use Enalapril with increased pressure, you can drink up to 40 mg per day. If you accidentally take a larger dose of medicine than prescribed in the instructions, you should immediately wash your stomach. You can take an absorbent. If necessary, call an ambulance. An overdose of Enalapril is accompanied by convulsions of the patient, a sharp drop in blood pressure, collapse, lethargy, the occurrence of blood clots.

How long does it take for enalapril to lower blood pressure?

If you are interested in the question, after what time does Enalapril reduce pressure, then you can give an unambiguous answer to it. According to the instructions for use, one hour after ingestion, the maximum concentration of the active substance is found in the blood plasma. It remains so for the next 4-5 hours, then gradually decreases.

Thus, to the question of how quickly Enalapril reduces blood pressure, it can be accurately answered that the effect should be noticeable within an hour after taking the pill.

If the drug is prescribed to the patient for the first time, then the first three hours after taking it, he should be under the supervision of a doctor in order to avoid negative side effects.

Enalapril is characterized by a cumulative effect, that is, after two weeks of taking it, it will act better than in its first days.

What to do if the drug does not help?

In some cases, the drug may be ineffective. This is because the patient may have symptomatic hypertension. It is itself a symptom of some other disease. A decrease in blood pressure will be achieved if its primary cause is eliminated.

If Enalapril does not reduce pressure, then what to do in this case, the attending physician will tell you at an internal consultation. As a rule, in this case, combined therapy is prescribed using other types of drugs or complex drugs.

How long can the tablets be taken?

The question “how long can you take enalapril for pressure?”, in principle, makes no sense, because the drug is used constantly for hypertension. Enalapril, as stated in the instructions for use, has a vasoprotective and cardioprotective effect. It reduces the risk of myocardial infarction. Therefore, Enalapril must be taken for life.

Since the drug has a prolonged character, its effect is not lost with prolonged use. If, nevertheless, addiction to the active substance has occurred, then either the dosage of the agent should be increased, or it should be changed to one of the analogues.

Can you drink at low blood pressure?

Often patients have the question "is it possible to drink enalapril at low pressure?". If you have persistent hypotension, then taking enalapril is contraindicated, as it will further reduce the performance.

If the pressure has decreased while taking Enalapril and you do not know whether to continue taking it, then it is advisable to cancel the pill for a while and consult your doctor about a similar effect of therapy. He may consider it necessary to reduce the dosage taken.

If there are other side effects from taking the medicine that bother you, be sure to also contact your doctor.

Useful video

For more information about ACE inhibitors, see this video:

Conclusion

  1. We reviewed the instructions for the use of the drug enalapril, from what pressure it is applicable.
  2. The drug has proven itself in persistent primary and secondary hypertension, heart failure.
  3. Enalapril, like other ACE inhibitors, is taken continuously.

With changes in pressure indicators, drug therapy is necessary. Various synthetic and natural preparations are used for treatment. Enalapril - instructions for use, at what pressure does this drug help? What contraindications should be considered?

Enalapril tablets - basic information

Enalapril - an effective and time-tested drug, belongs to ACE inhibitors, which is used to correct systolic and diastolic pressure. At what pressure is it used? The drug is used to treat high blood pressure, it is used alone or in combination with other drugs for hypertension and hypertension.

The drug is produced in the form of tablets, with a dose of the active substance 5, 10, 20 mg. The composition contains the active substance enalapril, auxiliary components that do not have any therapeutic effect.

The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the ability of enalapril to slow down the production of angiotensin, reduce the amount of aldosterone. Due to this, the walls of blood vessels relax, blood flow in the cardiac and renal arteries normalizes, and prevents the development of heart failure and thrombosis.

Does enalapril increase or decrease blood pressure? The drug effectively reduces systolic and diastolic pressure, while not causing a jump in heart rate readings.

What does the drug help? With regular intake, the ability to withstand stress increases, the manifestation of pathological changes in the left ventricle decreases, the load on the heart muscle is weakened, and it prevents the development of nephropathy in diabetics.

Drug analogues:

  • Enam;
  • Invoril;
  • Miopril;
  • Renitex;
  • Enamp.

Enapharm N is a combination drug that contains not only enalapril, but diuretic components - this increases the hypotensive property of the drug.

Enalapril is a budget drug, its price is 30-100 rubles. The cost is influenced by the country of origin - Russian medicines are the cheapest, and Serbian ones have the highest price.

Important! Enalapril is a powerful drug that has many contraindications and side effects, so you can only buy it at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.

Indications and contraindications

Before starting treatment, you must carefully read the instructions for use - it contains all indications, contraindications, adverse reactions and signs of overdose.

Indications for use:

  • any kind of hypertension and hypertension;
  • chronic heart failure;
  • nephropathy in insulin diabetics;
  • pathological changes in the tissues of the left ventricle.

With angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, the drug is included in complex and rehabilitation therapy.

Important! Enalapril acts slowly, so it is not advisable to use it in a hypertensive crisis.

The drug is not prescribed during pregnancy, lactating women, persons under 18 years of age, elderly people. The drug is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, porphyria. With caution, you should take the medicine if you have a history of serious kidney pathologies, diseases that impair the outflow of blood from the left ventricle.

Side effects

Enalapril does not belong to modern medicines, it was invented a long time ago, therefore, various adverse reactions often occur when taken. But if the dosage is observed, the drug is well tolerated, negative consequences are rare.

Frequent adverse reactions:

  • cough without sputum, sometimes there is difficulty breathing, pharyngitis;
  • the drug can provoke diarrhea, intestinal obstruction;
  • nausea, aversion to food, ulcer;
  • pain in the heart, bradycardia;
  • deterioration in the clarity of vision;
  • migraine, dizziness, fatigue.

Sometimes, against the background of long-term use, depressive states develop, a rash appears, and body temperature rises. All adverse reactions are reversible, when the drug is discontinued, they quickly disappear.

In case of an overdose, a collapse may occur against the background of a sharp decrease in pressure, a heart attack, disorders in the brain of an ischemic nature, stupor and convulsions. When such symptoms appear, it is urgent to do a gastric lavage, lay the person down, raise the legs, call an ambulance.

Important! Enalapril and alcohol are strictly forbidden to combine. Alcoholic drinks enhance the effect of the drug, which can cause the development of irreversible consequences, a sharp decrease in pressure below the permissible norm.

How to use

The drug is absorbed by 60%, the therapeutic effect appears after 2-4 weeks of regular use. The maximum result is formed 7 hours after administration, lasts throughout the day.

Important! At the initial stage, severe dizziness may occur, the pressure sometimes drops sharply. Therefore, after taking the medicine, it is advisable to stay at home, not to engage in work that requires concentration.

The dosage of the drug depends on the disease, the age of the patient, the presence of chronic diseases.

You can take the medicine regardless of the meal once a day. It is better to drink the medicine in the morning, because it has a slight diuretic effect. With monotherapy, the initial dose is 5 mg, if the condition does not improve, then it is increased by 2 times after 7-14 days. With moderate hypertension, it is enough to take 10 mg of medication per day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg, while the medicine should be drunk in 2 doses.

If Enalapril Geksal is used as part of complex therapy for the treatment of heart failure, then the trial dose is 2.5 mg. It is increased by 2 times after 3-4 days, until the therapeutic effect becomes noticeable.

Enalapril FPO and Akri are taken at any time, 2.5–5 mg once every 24 hours. Maintenance dosage - no more than 20 mg, safe maximum dose - 40 mg.

How long can I take Enalapril? Treatment with the drug is long, in the absence of adverse reactions, it can be taken for life.

Important! Before any surgical intervention, even dental, the doctor should be warned about the treatment with ACE inhibitors.

Comparison of Enalapril with other analogues and substitutes

Many pharmaceutical companies produce various analogues of Enalapril. They differ in cost, composition, but the therapeutic effect of all is almost the same. A high price does not always guarantee the absence of adverse reactions.

Lisinopril or Enalapril - which is more effective? Lisinopril has a negative effect on male potency, a large dosage is required for a therapeutic effect. Enalapril is effective in ischemic disease, excreted by the liver and kidneys. Lisinopril - only by the kidneys.

Enalapril Geksal and Enalapril, is there a difference? Enalapril Geksal is produced by a German pharmaceutical company, Enalapril is Russian. The German counterpart is somewhat more expensive, but in terms of efficiency it is no better than the domestic drug.

Enap and Enalapril - what's the difference? Enap is a drug from Slovenia, it is produced in the form of tablets and injection solutions. It costs several times more expensive, but it works more efficiently, adverse reactions appear extremely rarely.

Enalapril FPO and Enalapril - what's the difference? Both drugs are produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies, have the same effect, side effects. Slightly different in price, the maximum allowable dose of Enalapril FPO is 80 mg, unlike Enalapril.

Captopril or Enalapril - which is more effective? These drugs belong to the same group, have a similar therapeutic effect - they improve the functioning of the heart muscle, normalize high blood pressure. But there are also some differences.

Captopril, even with a mild form of hypertension, should be taken 2-3 times a day, since its effect is shorter. Enalapril maintains optimal pressure indicators longer.

Captopril is effective in hypertensive crisis, Enalapril is not used as an emergency. Captopril is more effective in heart failure, improves endurance, it can be used to prevent death from serious heart disease.

Lorista or Enalapril - which is better? Lorista is a modern drug for the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure. It acts effectively, has a minimum number of adverse reactions - there is no dry cough, male potency does not deteriorate with prolonged use. Lorista can be used in the treatment of persons over 60 years of age, patients with renal insufficiency without dosage adjustment.

Enalapril or Lozap - what's the difference? The drugs have the same effect, they need to be taken once a day, preferably at the same time. There are no special differences in contraindications and side effects.

Enalapril and its analogues are an effective drug for reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the absence of adverse reactions, they can be taken for a long time, but only a doctor can prescribe the dose and duration of treatment. Any self-treatment can lead to serious, irreversible consequences.

Read the official information about the drug Enalapril, instructions for use which includes general information and a treatment regimen. The text is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Enalapril is an antihypertensive drug from the ACE inhibitor group. It is considered "proenalaprilm": when it is hydrolyzed, enalaprilat is created, which inhibits ACE. The principle of action of the drug is associated with a decrease in the formation of angiotensin II from angiotensin I, a decrease in the content of which leads to a direct decrease in the release of aldosterone. In this case, there is a decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, post - and preload on the myocardium.

Composition and form of release

10, 20, 30 or 50 tablets in polymer jars or plastic cases. 10 tablets in a blister pack made of aluminum foil and polyvinyl chloride film. One can, pencil case or 1, 2, 3, 5 or 50 blister packs with package insert in secondary packaging.

The composition of the product

  • Active substance: 10 mg enalapril maleate.
  • Excipients: corn starch, gelatin, methylparaben, dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, talc, erythrosin supra.

Enalapril - instructions for use in various dosage forms

According to the instructions, Enalapril is prescribed to adults for oral administration, regardless of food intake.

Enalapril: application in the form of tablets

The initial dose of Enalapril depends on the level of hypertension and, as a rule, is 2.5-5.0 mg 1 time per day. As necessary, a single dose of the drug is increased to 20 mg 1-2 times a day. To maintain normal pressure, 10–20 mg of enalapril is prescribed per day. The maximum daily dose of Enalapril with good tolerability of the drug is no more than 40 mg per day in one or two doses. Dosage, frequency and duration of use of Enalapril are set by the doctor depending on the pathology and condition of the patient.

The use of enalapril in chronic renal failure

In chronic renal failure, cumulation begins with a decrease in filtration of less than 10 ml / min. With a creatinine clearance (CC) of 80-30 ml / min, the dose of Enalapril is mostly 5-10 mg / day. , with CC up to 30-10 ml / min - 2.5-5 mg / day. , with CC less than 10 ml / min - 1.25-2.5 mg / day. only on dialysis days.

The duration of treatment is affected by the effectiveness of therapy. With a strong decrease in blood pressure, the dose of the drug is gradually reduced. The drug is used both in monotherapy and in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Enalapril storage conditions

The instructions note that Enalapril is stored in a dry, dark, hard-to-reach place for children at room temperature for no more than 3 years.

Indications, contraindications, side effects of Enalapril

Indications for the use of Enalapril

Enalapril brand drug is prescribed according to indications: arterial hypertension of any severity, including renovascular; chronic heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction; diabetic nephropathy.

Contraindications for the use of Enalapril

  • With individual sensitivity to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor drugs,
  • During pregnancy and during breastfeeding,
  • In childhood
  • With hereditary edema of Kivnke or angioedema in history,
  • In case of impaired renal function, bilateral stenosis of the renal arteries or stenosis of the renal artery of a single kidney,
  • With stenosis of the aortic mouth,
  • With hyperkalemia, azotemia, condition after kidney transplantation.

Enalapril is not prescribed to patients on hemodialysis using AN69 dialysis membranes because of the risk of developing anaphylactoid reactions.

Enalapril side effects

peripheral and central nervous system manifested by dizziness and headache, feeling tired, severe fatigue; infrequently, when used in significant doses, sleep disorders, nervousness, depression, imbalance, paresthesia, tinnitus occur.

Undesirable side effects of cardio-vascular system manifest in the form of orthostatic hypotension, fainting, palpitations, pain in the heart; infrequently, when used in significant doses, hot flashes occur.

Undesirable side effects digestive system after application of means are shown by nausea; infrequently there is dry mouth, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abnormal liver function, increased activity of hepatic transaminases, an increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood, hepatitis, pancreatitis; very rarely when used in significant doses - glossitis.

Undesirable side effects hematopoietic systems rarely manifest as neutropenia; in patients with autoimmune diseases in the form of agranulocytosis.

Undesirable side effects urinary system are rare in the form of disorders in the work of the kidneys and proteinuria.

Undesirable side effects respiratory system after application of the drug are manifested by a dry cough.

Undesirable side effects reproductive system occur infrequently when used in significant doses in the form of impotence.

Dermatological reactions occur infrequently, if the drug is used in high doses, hair loss may occur.

Allergic reactions: skin rash and Quincke's edema rarely appear.

Other manifestations: hyperkalemia and muscle cramps.

The use of enalapril in the management of mechanisms

At the stage of selecting a certain dosage of Enalapril, it is necessary to refrain from driving vehicles and engaging in hazardous activities that require increased concentration of attention and a quick psychomotor reaction, since dizziness may occur, especially after the use of initial doses of an ACE inhibitor in patients receiving diuretics.

How long can enalapril be used

According to the doctor's recommendation, the drug is used 1-2 times a day, regardless of the meal. Enalapril preparations of the combined type, which contain diuretics, are best used in the morning. The course of treatment with the drug is long, and with normal tolerance, it can last throughout life.

The use of enalapril during pregnancy

This drug is not indicated for use during pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs, then the drug should be discontinued. Enalapril passes into breast milk. If necessary, its use during lactation should stop breastfeeding.

Enalapril: use for children

According to the instructions, the drug Enalapril is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age, since its effectiveness and safety have not been determined. If newborns or infants have been exposed to intrauterine action of ACE inhibitors, then they should be carefully monitored for the timely detection of a pronounced decrease in blood pressure, oliguria, hyperkalemia and neurological disorders, likely as a result of a decrease in renal and cerebral blood flow with a decrease in blood pressure caused by ACE inhibitors.

Therapeutic effects of enalapril

Arteries dilate more than veins, and there is no reflex increase in heart rate. The hypotensive effect is more pronounced with a significant level of plasma renin than with its normal or reduced level. Lowering blood pressure for therapeutic purposes does not affect cerebral circulation, the blood supply in the vessels of the brain is maintained at the desired level even against the background of low blood pressure. Increases coronary and renal blood flow.

With prolonged use of enalapril, hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the myocardium and myocytes of the walls of the arteries of the resistive type decreases, prevents an increase in heart failure and inhibits the development of left ventricular dilatation. Helps improve blood supply to ischemic myocardium. Enalapril reduces platelet aggregation. Has some diuretic effect.

The period of onset of the hypotensive effect of enalapril with internal use is 1 hour, the maximum result is achieved after 4-6 hours and lasts up to 24 hours. In some patients, treatment for several weeks is necessary to obtain the optimal blood pressure value. In heart failure, a tangible clinical result is observed with prolonged use ─ more than 6 months.

Enalapril compatibility with acetylsalicylic acid and insulin

Acetylsalicylic acid in high doses reduces the antihypertensive properties of enalapril. It is impossible to say with certainty whether acetylsalicylic acid reduces the therapeutic effect of the use of ACE inhibitors in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. The direction of this interaction depends on the course of the disease.

Acetylsalicylic acid, by inhibiting COX and prostaglandin synthesis, can provoke vasoconstriction, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and deterioration in patients with heart failure receiving ACE inhibitors. According to the data, the simultaneous use of insulin, as well as other hypoglycemic agents and Enalapril, can cause hypokalemia. Most often this happens at the initial stages of therapy in patients with renal pathology.

Enalapril compatibility with alcohol

In accordance with the instructions, it is not recommended to drink alcohol along with Enalapril, since alcohol increases the effect of the drug.

Enalapril analogues: domestic and foreign

Analogues (synonyms) of the drug, which have Enalapril as the main active ingredient, include the following drugs:

  • Enap;
  • Vasolapril;
  • Analog of Enalapril - Enam;
  • Miopril;
  • Analogue of Enalapril - Envas;
  • Enalakor and others.

In addition, combined medicines are produced, for example, the Slovenian Enap H and Enap HL, the Russian Enapharm H and the like. In addition to Enalapril, these drugs contain the substance Hydrochlorothiazide, which has a diuretic effect, which increases the hypotensive effect of the drug. Analogues of Enalapril, which have a similar effect, but a different chemical composition, include drugs such as Captopril, Lisinopril, Ramipril, Zofenopril, Perindopril, Trandolapril, Quinapril, Fosinopril.

The price of enalapril

Check out the price of Enalapril in 2017 and cheap analogues. The cost of Enalapril in different pharmacies, even in the same network, can vary significantly. But the important thing is that the difference in price between foreign and Russian counterparts remains virtually unchanged.

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