Did your doctor prescribe you a medicine for high blood pressure, or as we all call it, "high blood pressure"? Or are you taking medicine to protect your heart after a heart attack? Then, among the medicines prescribed to you, there may have been a medicine called 'Enalapril'. This is a very commonly used and very important medicine. So, let's talk about this medicine simply and clearly.
What exactly is Enalapril?
Simply put, Enalapril is a medication that is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure . It is also sometimes given to prevent further damage to the heart after a heart attack.
Now let's see how this works. Imagine that the blood vessels in your body are like pipes that carry water. High blood pressure means that the pressure inside these pipes is very high. This means that the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Enalapril relaxes and widens these blood vessels. Then the blood can flow more easily without getting stuck. This reduces the workload on the heart. Medically speaking, this medicine belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing Enalapril to you, your doctor will ask you about certain things. However, it is very important that you tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding: This is the most important thing. Enalapril is a drug that can cause serious harm to an unborn baby during pregnancy. So it is important to tell your doctor about this.
- Previous allergies: Tell your doctor if you have had a previous allergy to Enalapril or another ACE inhibitor (e.g. Captopril, Lisinopril). Also, tell them if you have any allergies to insect stings, foods, or dyes.
- Swelling of the tongue, face, or lips: If you have previously had a case of swelling of the tongue, face, or lips (Angioedema) with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness.
- Kidney or liver disease: If you have any kidney or liver disease.
- Other medical conditions: Heart disease, blood vessel disease, immune system diseases like lupus, and bone marrow disease.
- If you are on a special diet: For example, if you are on a low salt diet.
- If you have low blood pressure.
How should I use the medicine?
- Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor. Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day .
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly.
- If given to children: In some special cases, this medicine is also prescribed to children. However, this should only be done on the advice of a specialist doctor.
What if the dose increases? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It is very important to be aware of these things for your safety while taking Enalapril.
- Regular medical checkups: Keep going for checkups as your doctor tells you. If you've been told to measure your blood pressure at home, do it regularly. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and when you should call.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medication may cause some people to feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly from a sitting or lying position. Be especially careful if you are an elderly person. If you get up too quickly, you may faint and fall. Get up slowly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid alcohol.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating: If you have excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, tell your doctor. This is because it can be dangerous to take this medicine when you lose a lot of fluid from your body.
- Salt substitutes: Do not use store-bought 'salt substitutes' without consulting your doctor. They may contain potassium.
- Cough and cold medicine: While taking this medicine, be sure to consult your doctor before buying any over-the-counter cough, cold, or pain medicine. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Enalapril can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. Let's learn more about them in this table.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions or Angioedema | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. This is an emergency. Immediate treatment is needed. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine, unusual tiredness. |
| High potassium level in the blood | Muscle weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Cough | This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. A dry, irritating cough may occur. Tell your doctor if it bothers you. |
| Dizziness | This may occur early in the treatment. This will decrease as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Headache | This is also a common thing. |
Take-Home Message
- Enalapril is a very important medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Never take this medicine if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately.
- Before you start taking the medication, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
- As dizziness may occur, be careful when performing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
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