Enalapril belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), which are used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It acts by widening the blood vessels which in turn causes the blood pressure to fall and also facilitates pumping of blood in the body. It is used to treat hypertension i.e. high blood pressure, heart failure and heart muscle damage.

Do not take Enalapril if you:

1. Are more than 3 months pregnant
2. Have ever had hypersensitivity reaction to enalapril or any member of your family had an allergicreaction to enalapril
3. Have suffered from hereditary or idiopathic Angioedema (symptoms such as itching, nettle rash, wheezing or swelling of the hands , throat, mouth or eyelids)

Things to Tell Your Doctor. If you:

1. Are instructed to limit the amount of salt in diet
2. Have a narrowed heart valve or aorta or heart problem
3. Have kidney problems or a recent kidney transplant
4. Have an inflammatory disease of the skin, muscles or joints
5. Are on treatment to lower cholesterol
6. Take extra potassium in your diet or a salt substitute that contains potassium
7. Are or might become pregnant.

What to do if you missed a dose ?

If you forget to take your medicine, just take one the following day at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

Most common side effects ?

The most common side effects observed with enalapril are cough, nausea, rash, headache, increased heart rate, chest pain, diarrhea, stomach pains, change in taste, dizziness, tiredness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs and high levels of potassium in the blood.