Enalapril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Enalapril is also sometimes used to treat kidney disease related to diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

Special precautions

Before taking enalapril,

• You should know that diarrhea, not drinking enough fluids, vomiting, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking enalapril.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Do not take enalapril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking enalapril, call your doctor immediately. Enalapril may harm the fetus.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease; diabetes; scleroderma; lupus; or angioedema, ankles, feet, hands, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the face, or lower leg
• Tell your doctor if you are taking vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to enalapril, or any other medicines.

Side effects

Enalapril may cause side effects:

• weakness
• rash
• dizziness
• cough

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon:

• fainting
• lightheadedness
• fever, chills, sore throat, and other signs of infection
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• swelling of the face, ankles, feet, hands, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, or lower legs

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• fainting
• lightheadedness

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to enalapril.