Enalapril Vitabalans

ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure

Rx - Prescription Only ATC: C09AA02 ACE Inhibitor
Active Ingredient
Enalapril maleate
Dosage Form
Tablet
Available Strengths
5 mg
Administration Route
Oral
Medically reviewed | Last reviewed: | Evidence level: 1A
Enalapril Vitabalans contains enalapril maleate, an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to prevent the progression of heart failure in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. It works by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing blood vessel constriction and lowering blood pressure. Enalapril Vitabalans is available as 5 mg tablets and requires a prescription.
📅 Published:
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Written and reviewed by iMedic Medical Editorial Team | Specialists in cardiology and pharmacology

Quick Facts about Enalapril Vitabalans

Active Ingredient
Enalapril
Enalapril maleate
Drug Class
ACE Inhibitor
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
ATC Code
C09AA02
Plain ACE inhibitors
Common Uses
Hypertension
Heart failure, LV dysfunction
Available Forms
5 mg Tablet
Oral administration
Prescription Status
Rx Only
Prescription required

Key Takeaways about Enalapril Vitabalans

  • Effective blood pressure control: Enalapril is a well-established ACE inhibitor that provides 24-hour blood pressure lowering with once or twice daily dosing
  • Heart protection: Proven to reduce mortality and hospitalization in patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction
  • Must not be used in pregnancy: ACE inhibitors can cause serious fetal harm, especially during the second and third trimesters
  • Monitor kidney function and potassium: Regular blood tests are needed to check kidney function and potassium levels, particularly when starting treatment or changing dose
  • Dry cough is a common side effect: A persistent, non-productive cough occurs in up to 10% of patients and may require switching to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)

What Is Enalapril Vitabalans and What Is It Used For?

Enalapril Vitabalans is an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction. It contains the active substance enalapril maleate, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces the workload on the heart.

Enalapril belongs to a class of medications known as ACE inhibitors, which are among the most widely prescribed cardiovascular drugs worldwide. The active substance, enalapril maleate, is a prodrug that is converted in the liver to its active form, enalaprilat. This active metabolite inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays a central role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

When ACE is inhibited, the body produces less angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By reducing angiotensin II levels, enalapril causes blood vessels to relax and widen, lowering blood pressure and reducing the strain on the heart. Additionally, the drug decreases the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention, further contributing to its blood pressure-lowering effect.

Enalapril Vitabalans is manufactured by Vitabalans Oy and is available in tablet form at a strength of 5 mg. It is a generic formulation of enalapril, containing the same active ingredient as the original branded version. The medication is approved for use in several countries and is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, reflecting its importance in global healthcare.

Approved indications

Enalapril Vitabalans is approved for the following clinical uses:

  • Essential hypertension: As first-line or add-on therapy for the treatment of high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents such as diuretics or calcium channel blockers
  • Heart failure: For the management of symptomatic heart failure, where it has been shown to improve symptoms, reduce hospitalization rates, and prolong survival
  • Prevention of symptomatic heart failure: In patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (reduced ejection fraction), enalapril slows disease progression and delays the onset of symptomatic heart failure

How enalapril works in the body

After oral administration, enalapril maleate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with absorption not significantly affected by food. It is then hydrolyzed in the liver to enalaprilat, the pharmacologically active metabolite. Peak plasma concentrations of enalaprilat are reached within 3 to 4 hours after an oral dose. The onset of the antihypertensive effect is typically observed within 1 hour, with the maximum effect occurring at 4 to 6 hours. The duration of action is approximately 24 hours, which allows for once-daily dosing in many patients.

Enalaprilat is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. In patients with impaired kidney function, the elimination half-life is prolonged, which may necessitate dose adjustments. The drug does not significantly cross the blood-brain barrier and does not accumulate in tissues, contributing to its favorable safety profile when used as directed.

What Should You Know Before Taking Enalapril Vitabalans?

Before starting Enalapril Vitabalans, inform your doctor about any kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart valve problems, or if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The drug must not be used during pregnancy due to risk of serious harm to the fetus.

It is essential that your prescribing physician has a complete picture of your medical history before initiating treatment with enalapril. Several conditions and circumstances can affect the safety and efficacy of this medication, and some situations represent absolute contraindications where the drug must not be used at all.

Contraindications

Do not take Enalapril Vitabalans if any of the following apply to you:

  • Allergy to enalapril or other ACE inhibitors: If you have ever had an allergic reaction to enalapril, enalaprilat, or any other ACE inhibitor (such as lisinopril, ramipril, or captopril), you must not take this medication
  • History of angioedema: If you have previously experienced angioedema (rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or extremities), whether related to ACE inhibitor use or hereditary, this medication is contraindicated
  • Pregnancy: Enalapril must not be used during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. ACE inhibitors have been associated with fetal and neonatal injury, including hypotension, renal failure, skull defects, and death
  • Concurrent use with aliskiren in diabetic patients: The combination of enalapril with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR less than 60 mL/min)
  • Concurrent use with sacubitril/valsartan: Enalapril must not be administered within 36 hours of switching to or from sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) due to increased risk of angioedema

Warnings and Precautions

Talk to your doctor before taking Enalapril Vitabalans if you have any of the following conditions or circumstances:

  • Kidney disease: Enalapril is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. Patients with impaired renal function may require lower doses and more frequent monitoring of kidney function and serum potassium levels. In some patients, especially those with bilateral renal artery stenosis, ACE inhibitors can cause a decline in kidney function
  • Liver disease: Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that begins with cholestatic jaundice and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis, potentially leading to death. Patients who develop jaundice or significant liver enzyme elevations should discontinue enalapril
  • Heart valve stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: In patients with aortic stenosis or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, ACE inhibitors should be used with caution due to the risk of significant hypotension
  • Volume or salt depletion: Patients who are dehydrated or on high-dose diuretic therapy are at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension when starting enalapril. The diuretic dose should be reduced or discontinued, and volume should be corrected before initiating enalapril
  • Diabetes mellitus: Enalapril may enhance the hypoglycemic effects of insulin and oral antidiabetic agents, particularly during the first months of combined use. Blood glucose monitoring should be intensified during this period
  • Upcoming surgery or anesthesia: Inform your anesthesiologist that you are taking enalapril, as it can interact with anesthetic agents and may need to be temporarily discontinued
Risk of Angioedema

Angioedema of the face, lips, tongue, glottis, or larynx has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including enalapril. This can occur at any time during treatment, but is most common during the first weeks. If you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking enalapril immediately and seek emergency medical care. Angioedema involving the airway can be life-threatening.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Enalapril Vitabalans must not be used during pregnancy. ACE inhibitors can cause serious developmental abnormalities and even fetal death when taken during the second and third trimesters. The risks include fetal hypotension, neonatal renal failure, skull hypoplasia, and oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid). If you discover that you are pregnant while taking enalapril, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Your doctor will switch you to an alternative antihypertensive medication that is safe for use during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Enalapril and enalaprilat are excreted in human breast milk in small amounts. Although adverse effects in breastfed infants have not been commonly reported, the use of enalapril during breastfeeding is generally not recommended, particularly in newborns and preterm infants, due to the theoretical risk of cardiovascular and renal effects. If treatment is deemed essential, an alternative medication should be considered, or breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Women of childbearing potential: Women who are planning a pregnancy should be switched to alternative antihypertensive treatments with an established safety profile for use during pregnancy. Adequate contraception should be used while taking enalapril.

How Does Enalapril Vitabalans Interact with Other Drugs?

Enalapril Vitabalans can interact with potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, lithium, and other blood pressure medications. These interactions may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, kidney damage, or excessive blood pressure lowering. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take.

Drug interactions are an important consideration when taking enalapril, as several commonly used medications can either enhance its effects (increasing the risk of side effects) or reduce its efficacy. It is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking.

Major Interactions

The following drug interactions are considered clinically significant and may require dose adjustments, additional monitoring, or avoidance of the combination:

Clinically significant drug interactions with Enalapril Vitabalans
Interacting Drug Effect Risk Level Clinical Action
Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride) Increased risk of hyperkalemia (dangerously high potassium) High Monitor serum potassium regularly; avoid combination if possible
Potassium supplements Increased risk of hyperkalemia High Avoid unless potassium is low; monitor levels closely
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) Reduced antihypertensive effect; increased risk of kidney damage and hyperkalemia Moderate-High Use with caution; monitor blood pressure and renal function
Lithium Increased lithium levels, risk of lithium toxicity High Monitor lithium levels frequently; consider dose reduction
Aliskiren Dual RAAS blockade increases risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment Very High Contraindicated in diabetic patients; avoid in renal impairment
Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) Increased risk of angioedema Very High Do not use within 36 hours of each other

Minor Interactions

The following interactions are generally less concerning but should still be discussed with your healthcare provider:

  • Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone): May enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect, increasing the risk of first-dose hypotension. This is generally a beneficial combination but requires careful initial monitoring
  • Antidiabetic medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas): Enalapril may slightly enhance glucose-lowering effects. Monitor blood glucose more frequently when starting enalapril
  • Antacids: May reduce the absorption of enalapril. Take them at least 2 hours apart
  • Gold injections (sodium aurothiomalate): Rarely, patients receiving gold injections and an ACE inhibitor have experienced nitritoid reactions (flushing, nausea, dizziness, and hypotension)
  • Alcohol: May enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of enalapril, potentially causing dizziness or fainting
  • Trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole: Can increase the risk of hyperkalemia when used with ACE inhibitors. Monitor potassium levels
Important: Dual RAAS Blockade

Combining enalapril with another agent that blocks the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), such as an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or aliskiren, is generally not recommended. Clinical trials (ONTARGET, VA NEPHRON-D) have shown that dual RAAS blockade is associated with an increased incidence of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment compared to monotherapy, without significant additional benefits in most patient populations.

What Is the Correct Dosage of Enalapril Vitabalans?

The usual starting dose of Enalapril Vitabalans for hypertension is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily. For heart failure, the starting dose is typically 2.5 mg once daily, titrated gradually upwards. Dosage should always be individualized by your doctor.

The dosage of Enalapril Vitabalans must be individualized based on the patient's condition, response to treatment, and tolerability. Treatment should always be initiated under medical supervision, and blood pressure should be monitored regularly, particularly during the first weeks of treatment and after dose adjustments. The tablets can be taken with or without food, and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Adults

Hypertension

Initial dose: 5 mg once daily. In patients with a strongly activated renin-angiotensin system (e.g., renovascular hypertension, salt/volume depletion, heart failure, or severe hypertension), the starting dose should be reduced to 2.5 mg to minimize the risk of first-dose hypotension.

Maintenance dose: 10-20 mg once daily, adjusted according to blood pressure response.

Maximum dose: 40 mg daily, given as a single dose or divided into two doses.

Heart Failure / Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Initial dose: 2.5 mg once daily. Treatment should be started under close medical supervision, particularly in patients with low blood pressure, those receiving high-dose diuretics, or those with hyponatremia.

Titration: The dose should be increased gradually over 2-4 weeks according to tolerance, typically in increments of 2.5-5 mg.

Target maintenance dose: 20 mg daily, given as a single dose or in two divided doses. Clinical trials have shown that the target dose of 20 mg daily provides optimal cardiovascular protection.

Maximum dose: 40 mg daily in two divided doses.

Children

Enalapril may be used in children with hypertension, although data are more limited than in adults. Dosing in children is based on body weight:

Pediatric Hypertension (age 6-16 years, weight 20-50 kg)

Initial dose: 2.5 mg once daily.

Maximum dose: 20 mg once daily.

Pediatric Hypertension (age 6-16 years, weight over 50 kg)

Initial dose: 5 mg once daily.

Maximum dose: 40 mg once daily.

Enalapril is not recommended for neonates or children with a glomerular filtration rate below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, as there are insufficient data on safety and efficacy in these populations.

Elderly

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of enalapril and may have age-related reductions in kidney function. The starting dose should generally be 2.5 mg once daily, with careful upward titration based on blood pressure response and tolerability. Renal function and serum potassium should be monitored more frequently in elderly patients.

Patients with Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustments based on kidney function
Creatinine Clearance Initial Dose Maximum Daily Dose
> 30 mL/min 5 mg once daily 40 mg
10-30 mL/min 2.5 mg once daily Titrate cautiously
< 10 mL/min (or on dialysis) 2.5 mg on dialysis days Titrate cautiously; give supplemental dose on dialysis days

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose of Enalapril Vitabalans, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency in timing helps maintain stable blood pressure control throughout the day.

Overdose

In case of overdose, the most likely clinical manifestations are severe hypotension (very low blood pressure), which may begin approximately 6 hours after ingestion, along with electrolyte disturbances, renal failure, and hyperventilation. Treatment of overdose is primarily supportive and may include intravenous fluid administration, monitoring of blood pressure and renal function, and in severe cases, dialysis. Enalaprilat can be removed from the circulation by hemodialysis. If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What Are the Side Effects of Enalapril Vitabalans?

The most common side effects of Enalapril Vitabalans include dry cough, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Serious but rare side effects include angioedema, severe hypotension, hyperkalemia, and acute renal failure. Most side effects are dose-related and reversible upon discontinuation.

Like all medicines, Enalapril Vitabalans can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild and tend to diminish with continued use. However, some side effects can be serious and require prompt medical attention. The following classification is based on international frequency conventions used in pharmacovigilance.

Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10 people)

Frequency: > 10%
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Cough (persistent, dry, non-productive)
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue and weakness (asthenia)

Common (affects 1 to 10 in 100 people)

Frequency: 1-10%
  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension), including orthostatic hypotension
  • Fainting (syncope)
  • Chest pain
  • Heart rhythm disturbances
  • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • Diarrhea, abdominal pain
  • Altered taste (dysgeusia)
  • Skin rash
  • Elevated blood potassium (hyperkalemia)
  • Elevated serum creatinine

Uncommon (affects 1 to 10 in 1,000 people)

Frequency: 0.1-1%
  • Anemia, including aplastic and hemolytic anemia
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Confusion, insomnia, nervousness
  • Tingling or numbness (paresthesia), vertigo
  • Palpitations
  • Runny nose (rhinorrhea), sore throat, hoarseness
  • Intestinal obstruction (ileus), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Vomiting, indigestion, constipation, loss of appetite
  • Itching (pruritus), hives (urticaria)
  • Muscle cramps
  • Kidney impairment, kidney failure
  • Impotence
  • Excessive sweating, flushing

Rare (affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 people)

Frequency: < 0.1%
  • Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat) – can be life-threatening
  • Bone marrow suppression (neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia)
  • Liver failure, hepatitis (cholestatic or hepatocellular)
  • Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
  • Pemphigus
  • Raynaud's phenomenon
  • Pulmonary infiltrates, allergic alveolitis/eosinophilic pneumonia
  • Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH)
  • Gynaecomastia
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Stop taking Enalapril Vitabalans and seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe skin reactions with blistering
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Signs of infection (persistent fever, severe sore throat) that may indicate low white blood cell count
About the ACE inhibitor cough

The dry, persistent cough associated with ACE inhibitors like enalapril is thought to be caused by the accumulation of bradykinin and substance P in the airways, which are normally broken down by ACE. This side effect affects approximately 5-10% of patients and is more common in women and people of East Asian descent. The cough typically begins within the first few months of treatment and resolves within 1-4 weeks of discontinuing the medication. If the cough is intolerable, your doctor may switch you to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), which provides similar cardiovascular benefits without the cough.

How Should You Store Enalapril Vitabalans?

Store Enalapril Vitabalans below 25°C in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Proper storage of medications is essential to maintain their efficacy and safety. Enalapril Vitabalans tablets should be stored at room temperature, not exceeding 25°C (77°F). The tablets should be kept in their original packaging (blister pack or container) to protect them from moisture and light, as exposure to these environmental factors can degrade the active substance and reduce the medication's effectiveness.

Do not store Enalapril Vitabalans in the bathroom, kitchen, or any area with high humidity. Do not freeze the medication. Keep the tablets out of the reach and sight of children at all times, preferably in a locked medicine cabinet.

Do not use Enalapril Vitabalans after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. If the tablets show visible signs of deterioration, such as discoloration, crumbling, or an unusual odor, do not take them and return them to your pharmacy for proper disposal.

Do not dispose of medications via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or expired medications to your pharmacy for environmentally safe disposal. This helps protect the environment and prevents accidental ingestion by others.

What Does Enalapril Vitabalans Contain?

Each Enalapril Vitabalans 5 mg tablet contains 5 mg of enalapril maleate as the active ingredient. Inactive ingredients (excipients) include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and magnesium stearate.

Understanding the composition of your medication is important, particularly if you have known allergies or intolerances to specific pharmaceutical excipients. Below is a detailed breakdown of the contents of Enalapril Vitabalans 5 mg tablets.

Active ingredient

Each tablet contains 5 mg of enalapril maleate, which is equivalent to approximately 3.82 mg of enalapril. Enalapril maleate is the salt form of enalapril, chosen for its improved stability and bioavailability compared to the free base form. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in water.

Inactive ingredients (excipients)

The inactive ingredients serve important functions in the tablet manufacturing process and include:

  • Lactose monohydrate: A filler and binder that gives the tablet its appropriate size and helps hold the ingredients together. Patients with galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medication
  • Maize starch: Serves as a disintegrant to help the tablet break down in the gastrointestinal tract for absorption
  • Sodium hydrogen carbonate: Acts as a buffering agent and aids in tablet disintegration
  • Magnesium stearate: A lubricant used during the tablet pressing process to prevent the mixture from sticking to equipment
Lactose content warning

Enalapril Vitabalans tablets contain lactose monohydrate. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Appearance and packaging

Enalapril Vitabalans 5 mg tablets are white to off-white, round tablets. They may be scored to facilitate dose division. The tablets are available in blister packs or HDPE containers, with pack sizes typically ranging from 28 to 100 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed in every country.

Frequently Asked Questions about Enalapril Vitabalans

Enalapril Vitabalans is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to prevent the progression of heart failure in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. It works by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. By reducing angiotensin II, enalapril helps blood vessels relax, lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart. It is available as 5 mg tablets and requires a prescription from your doctor.

The most common side effects include a persistent dry cough (affecting up to 10% of patients), dizziness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased, and usually improves with continued use. The dry cough is a class effect of all ACE inhibitors and, if intolerable, may require switching to an alternative medication such as an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Most side effects are mild and often resolve on their own.

No. Enalapril must not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, as it can cause serious harm or death to the developing fetus. ACE inhibitors can cause fetal kidney failure, low amniotic fluid levels, skull bone defects, and neonatal death. If you discover you are pregnant while taking enalapril, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe a safer alternative for blood pressure management during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medication.

Enalapril begins to lower blood pressure within 1 hour of taking the first dose, with the peak effect occurring approximately 4-6 hours later. However, it typically takes 1-2 weeks of regular daily use to achieve the full blood pressure-lowering effect at any given dose. For patients with heart failure, clinical improvement (reduced symptoms, improved exercise tolerance) may take several weeks to months. It is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one, as this could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. If you frequently forget doses, consider setting a daily alarm or using a pill organizer. Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty maintaining a regular dosing schedule.

Alcohol can potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effect of enalapril, which may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, particularly when standing up from a seated or lying position. While occasional, moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable for some patients, it is best to discuss your individual situation with your doctor. Avoid excessive alcohol intake while on this medication, especially during the initial period of treatment or after dose increases.

References and Sources

All information in this article is based on the following peer-reviewed sources and authoritative medical guidelines:

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines - 23rd List. Geneva: WHO; 2023. Available at: who.int
  2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) / European Society of Hypertension (ESH). 2023 ESH Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension. Journal of Hypertension. 2023;41(12):1874-2071. DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003480
  3. McDonagh TA, Metra M, Adamo M, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure. European Heart Journal. 2021;42(36):3599-3726. DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab368
  4. The SOLVD Investigators. Effect of Enalapril on Survival in Patients with Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fractions and Congestive Heart Failure. N Engl J Med. 1991;325(5):293-302. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199108013250501
  5. The CONSENSUS Trial Study Group. Effects of Enalapril on Mortality in Severe Congestive Heart Failure. N Engl J Med. 1987;316(23):1429-1435. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198706043162301
  6. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Enalapril - Summary of Product Characteristics. Amsterdam: EMA; 2024. Available at: ema.europa.eu
  7. British National Formulary (BNF). Enalapril Maleate. London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press; 2025. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk
  8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Enalapril Maleate - Prescribing Information. Silver Spring, MD: FDA; 2024. Available at: accessdata.fda.gov

Editorial Team

This article has been written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising specialists in cardiology, clinical pharmacology, and internal medicine.

Medical Content Team

Board-certified physicians specializing in cardiology and clinical pharmacology. All content follows international medical guidelines (WHO, ESC, AHA) and the GRADE evidence framework.

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Last medical review: | Evidence level: 1A (systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials)