Enalapril Maleate HCL

Enalapril Maleate HCL is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The FDA has already approved this medication in 1985 for medical use.

What condition does Enalapril Maleate HCL treat?

Enalapril Maleate HCL is an ACE inhibitor used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent kidney problems, heart attacks, and strokes. This medicine can also be used for the treatment of heart failure and helps prevent people with a certain heart problem from developing heart failure.

How does Enalapril Maleate HCL work?

Enalapril Maleate HCL works by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). It is a compound that is found in the body. Usually, ACE creates another compound called angiotensin II. It is part of the natural control of the blood pressure of the body. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to compress and narrow that increases the pressure inside the blood vessels. As this drug blocks the action of ACE, it decreases the making of angiotensin II. This means that the blood vessels are permitted to widen and relax. The general effect of this is a drop in blood pressure.

The decreased pressure within the blood vessels means that the heart does not have to work as hard to pump the blood around the body. This means that ACE inhibitors such as Enalapril can also be used to improve the symptoms of heart failure, where the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should be.

What is the dosage of Enalapril Maleate HCL?

This medication comes as a tablet for oral use. Each dose is to be taken by mouth usually once or twice a day. The medicine can be taken with or without food. To help you remember to take the medicine, take it around the same time and the same way every day. Follow carefully the directions on your prescription label and ask your doctor to explain any part you do not understand. Take this prescription exactly as directed. Do not take it more often, more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.

This medication does not cure high blood pressure but does controls it. Continue taking the recommended dosage even if you feel well. You should not stop taking the drug without talking to your doctor. To give a suitable dose for you, your doctor will ask you if you are getting any side effects and check your blood pressure. You may also have blood tests to check the amount of potassium in your blood and how well your kidneys are working. You will probably be prescribed a low dose of this medication at first to prevent dizziness. The dose will typically be increased slowly until you reach the correct dose for you. If you’re bothered by the side effects of the medicine you can stay on a lower dose.

What are the precautions in using Enalapril Maleate HCL?

• Several people taking this medicine may experience dizziness caused by low blood pressure in the first few days and at the first dose. Consequently, the first dose must rather be taken at bedtime. Your doctor may recommend that you take the first dose of this medicine under medical supervision in the hospital. It is suitable if you kidney problems are aged over 70 years, low levels of fluids or salt in your blood, have low blood pressure, severe or unstable heart failure, or are taking multiple diuretic medicines, high doses of diuretic medicines, or some other medications that widen your blood vessels.
• If you feel dizzy throughout treatment, this can be comforted by lying down until the symptoms pass. If affected you need to avoid performing possibly harmful tasks such as operating machinery or driving. If you often feel dizzy, you must let your doctor know. Your dose may be lowered.
• This type of medicine can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Stop taking this medication and consult your doctor right away if you experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling of your lips, tongue, face, throat, hands, ankles, or feet while taking this drug.
• While you are taking this medicine, your blood pressure, the amount of potassium in your blood, and kidney function must be regularly monitored.