Enalapril (Renitec): Uses, Side effects, Dosage

Enalapril (Brand Name:  Renitec) is a prodrug that belongs to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Uses Of Renitec

It is used under the following conditions

• It was used to treat high blood pressure.
• Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes
• Heart attacks and
• Kidney problems
• It is also used to treat heart failure and
• Helps prevent left ventricular dysfunction

Avoid enalapril (Renitec) if

You are allergic to enalapril, other ACE inhibitors (type of drugs that “ENALAPRIL” are similar) or any of the other components of these tablets.

You have more than 3 months of pregnancy. (It is also better to avoid “ENALAPRIL” in early pregnancy

You have diabetes or kidney failure and are treated with antihypertensive medications that contain aliskiren.

Mechanism of action of enalapril (Renitec)

Enalapril is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes a narrowing of the arteries in the body and increases blood pressure.

Side effects of Renitec

The most common side effects that can occur with Enalapril include:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Eruption

Serious side effects

Serious side effects and their symptoms may include:

• Liver problems
• Difficulty to breathe.
• Central nervous system problems
• High potassium content
• Swelling (angioedema) of the face, neck, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or calves
• Infection
• Kidney problems

Enalapril (Renitec) in pregnancy

Do not take enalapril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Enalapril, contact your doctor immediately. Enalapril can harm the fetus.

Enalapril Dose

The usual oral dose for the treatment of hypertension is 2.5 to 40 mg once a day. It can also be administered twice a day in two separate doses.

The dose for the treatment of heart failure is 2.5-20 mg twice a day.

The usual starting intravenous dose is 1.25 mg administered over a period of 5 minutes every 6 hours.

When a patient receives diuretic therapy, the initial intravenous dose is 0.625 mg every 6 hours.