Generic Enalapril

Common use

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing overall workload on the cardiovascular system. Lowering blood pressure with enalapril can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It may also be prescribed after a heart attack to improve survival.

Dosage and direction

Enalapril is usually taken once or twice daily by mouth, with or without food. Dosage depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. It's important to take it consistently at the same time each day.

Precautions

Before using enalapril, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, or a history of angioedema. This medication can increase potassium levels, so avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless advised. It may cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, so rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Blood pressure and kidney function should be monitored regularly.

Contraindications

Enalapril should not be used in patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of fetal harm. People with severe kidney impairment or those taking aliskiren for diabetes should not take enalapril. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping the medication.

Possible side effect

Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, cough, and headache. Some individuals may experience elevated potassium levels or kidney function changes. Rare but serious effects include allergic reactions, swelling of the face or throat (angioedema), and severe low blood pressure. If any serious symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately.

Drug interaction

Enalapril may interact with diuretics, potassium supplements, lithium, NSAIDs, and other blood pressure medications. Combining it with these drugs may increase the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium levels, or kidney damage. Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products. Dose adjustments or extra monitoring may be necessary.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for it. Missing doses may reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Overdose

An overdose of enalapril can cause symptoms like extreme dizziness, fainting, or very low blood pressure. Severe cases may require emergency medical attention and supportive care such as IV fluids or vasopressors. Never take more than the prescribed amount. Keep the medication out of reach of children.

Storage

Store enalapril at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it in a tightly sealed container and out of reach of children. Do not use the medication after the expiration date. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine properly.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)