Enalapril

About Enalapril

This belongs to the group of medicines known as ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors.

It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Enalapril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. For this reason it is also sometimes used, alongside other medicines, to treat heart failure.

Enalapril is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Innovace;. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Enalapril

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from kidney or liver disease
• if you suffer from porphyria
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription

How to Take Enalapril

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably need to have regular blood pressure checks to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Enalapril contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Occasionally Enalapril may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision especially after the first time you take it. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• You may feel dizzy especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the dentist or surgeon that you are taking this medicine.
• Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion may be prevented by this medicine, this may tempt you to do too much. Discuss this with your doctor if you intend to do a lot of exercise.
• Enalapril may cause you to sweat more than you usually do. Take extra care not to become overheated during hot weather or during exercise whilst taking this medicine.
• Enalapril may occasionally cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Whilst you are taking this medicine, avoid strong sunlight and sun beds and use a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• Alcohol can affect your blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of how it is affecting you.

Can Enalapril cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

A fast or fluttering heart beat, chest pain, fainting, loss of appetite, skin rashes, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, flushing (redness of the face), sweating, sexual problems, shortness of breath, hair loss, strange dreams, cold hands and feet, nervousness, muscle cramps, dry cough, a stuffy nose, sore throat, feeling or being sick, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, changes in taste, pins and needles, fever, muscle or joint pain.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Enalapril

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 19/07/2005