what kind of blood pressure medication is enalapril

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What is the worst blood pressure drug?

Most Dangerous High Blood Pressure Medicines 1. Clonidine: this is the generic name for a drug that lowers blood pressure by changing blood chemistry. Clonidine is... 2. Diuretics: These are often combined with other medicines to achieve the desired results. Diuretics work by flushing... 3. Beta ...

What happens if you take too much blood pressure medicine?

• Asthma symptoms or a hacking cough
• Diarrhea, severe heartburn, or persistent nausea
• Erectile dysfunction ( impotence)
• Extreme, persistent drowsiness, weakness or fainting
• Falling due to dizziness when standing up
• Frequent headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Persistent insomnia or nightmares

More items...

What are the side effects of enalapril maleate?

What are the side effects of enalapril maleate?

• Nausea, diarrhea.
• Dizziness, headache, drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Coughing.
• Loss of appetite, ability to taste.
• Insomnia.
• Rash, itching.

What medications are good for high blood pressure?

People who are diagnosed with high blood pressure typically take tablets once a day to control the condition, researchers said, with angiotensin-converting enzyme (Ace) inhibitors the most common medication prescribed.

What is the most common side effect of enalapril?

The more common side effects that can occur with enalapril include: dizziness. weakness. skin rash.

What foods should you avoid when taking enalapril?

Taking potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes (No Salt, Morton Salt Substitute, and others), or large amounts of high-potassium foods (such as bananas and other fruit) at the same time as taking ACE inhibitors could cause life-threatening problems.

Why is enalapril taken at night?

Many doctors recommend their patients take heart drugs in the morning with their breakfast, but a new study from Canada suggests that one group of drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, works best when taken at bedtime because they reduce the effect of a hormone that is most active during sleep.

How long should I take enalapril?

Enalapril is generally safe to take for a long time. In fact, it works best when you take it for a long time. Taking enalapril for a long time can sometimes cause your kidneys to not work as well as they should. Your doctor will check how well your kidneys are working with regular blood tests.

Can I eat bananas while taking enalapril?

BANANAS: AVOID IF YOU TAKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE Try not to eat bananas or oranges if you take ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril and fosinopril among others. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by opening up blood vessels, so blood flows more efficiently.

When is the best time to take enalapril?

You'll usually take enalapril once or twice a day. Your doctor may advise you to take your first dose before bedtime, because it can make you dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take enalapril at any time of day. Try to take it at the same time every day.

What are the 4 best blood pressure drugs?

In terms of prescriptions written, here are the top 4 high blood pressure medications,the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) tops the list,followed by amlodipine besylate (Norvasc),a calcium channel blocker, and.generic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

What time of day is blood pressure highest?

Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.

Does enalapril make you pee?

Vaseretic (enalapril / hydrochlorothiazide) can make you urinate more often, so try to take the medication in the morning or afternoon.

Can enalapril damage kidneys?

This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.

Does enalapril have side effects?

Some people have serious side effects after taking enalapril. Call a doctor or contact 111 now if: the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow (this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin) – this could be a sign of liver problems.

What medication can replace enalapril?

There are many ACE inhibitors available, including:Lisinopril.Enalapril.Benazepril.Captopril.Fosinopril.Moexipril.Quinapril (Accupril)Ramipril (Altace)More items...•

Can you take enalapril on an empty stomach?

Enalapril is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid. It may also be given in the form of an injection into the vein in the hospital setting. The tablets or oral liquid may be given with or without food, but if vomiting occurs after dosing on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat.

What foods interfere with medications?

5 Foods That Interact With MedicationsGrapefruit. This citrus fruit interferes with how the body metabolizes certain drugs. ... Dairy Products. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, can alter the effectiveness of antibiotics. ... Tyramine-Rich Foods. ... Green, Leafy Veggies. ... Alcohol.

Can you eat grapefruit when you take enalapril?

ACE-inhibitors like enalapril, captopril, lisinopril and ramipril have not shown any interaction with grapefruit juice although such an interaction might be possible with angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists like losartan and valsartan [18].

Can I take enalapril with magnesium?

Salt Substitutes: Those who are taking enalapril should avoid sodium, calcium and magnesium-rich foods. The combination may cause increased blood pressure.

How long after switching to neprilysin inhibitor can you take enalapril?

These drugs are used to treat heart failure. They should not be used with enalapril. Do not use enalapril within 36 hours of switching to or from a neprilysin inhibitor.

Can you take Enalapril with other drugs?

Enalapril may be used as part of a combination therapy. That means you need to take it with other drugs.

Is Enalapril an oral solution?

Enalapril comes as an oral tablet and an oral solution.

Does enalapril increase lithium?

Taking lithium with enalapril may increase the lithium levels in your body. This may make you have more side effects.

Is Enalapril safe to take?

Enalapril oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

Does Enalapril interact with other medications?

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Does Enalapril cause a dry cough?

Enalapril may cause a dry cough. This may go away once you stop taking the medication.

What are the side effects of enalapril?

Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, dizziness, and fatigue are the most common side effects.

How long does it take for Enalapril to make you dizzy?

Throw away any unused suspension after 60 days. Enalapril may make you feel dizzy, especially in the first few weeks of therapy and when going from a sitting or lying down position to standing. Always take your time when standing up. Talk with your doctor if this feeling persists.

What is the name of the drug that is ACE inhibitor?

Enalapril belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

How long can you keep enalapril suspension in the refrigerator?

Do not use a kitchen teaspoon. Store the suspension in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away any unused suspension after 60 days.

What is the treatment for high blood pressure?

Enalapril may be used in the treatment of high blood pressure or heart failure and works by inhibiting an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Can you share Enalapril with children?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use enalapril only for the indication prescribed.

Does Enalapril cause blood sugar to drop?

Enalapril may also cause blood sugar levels to drop more than expected when taken with diabetes medication, including insulin. Increased blood sugar monitoring may be required.

What is enalapril used for?

It is also used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Enalapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

What are the side effects of enalapril?

Enalapril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 cough 2 dizziness 3 rash 4 weakness

How to control blood pressure?

In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

How does high blood pressure affect the body?

High blood pressure is a common condition, and when not treated it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Can you take enalapril while pregnant?

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

Can you take more or less enalapril?

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of enalapril and gradually increase your dose. Enalapril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take enalapril even if you feel well.

Is Enalapril used for kidney disease?

Enalapril is also sometimes used to treat kidney disease related to diabetes. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What hormones can cause blood pressure to rise?

Alpha-blockers. In certain situations, your body makes hormones called catecholamines. These hormones can bind to parts of cells called alpha-receptors. When this occurs, your blood vessels narrow and your heart beats faster and with more force. These actions cause your blood pressure to rise.

What is the function of a vasodilator?

Vasodilators. Vasodilators relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, especially in small arteries called arterioles. This widens the blood vessels and allows blood to flow through them more easily. As a result, blood pressure falls.

What is angiotensin II blocker?

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) This class of drugs also protects the blood vessels from angiotensin II. In order to tighten blood vessels, angiotensin II must bind with a receptor site. ARBs prevent that from happening. As a result, blood pressure is lowered.

Why do calcium channel blockers work?

Calcium channel blockers help block calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat with less force and helps blood vessels relax. As a result, blood pressure decreases.

What are the different types of diuretics?

There are three major types of diuretics: thiazide, potassium-sparing, and loop diuretics. Thiazide diuretics generally have fewer side effects than the others. This is especially true when they’re prescribed in the low doses that are generally used in treating early high blood pressure.

What is the purpose of ACE inhibitors?

ACE inhibitors keep the body from making a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow . These medications lower blood pressure by helping constricted blood vessels expand to let more blood through.

How does beta blocker work?

Beta-blockers work by blocking the actions of chemicals in your body that stimulate your heart. This allows your heart to beat with less speed and force. Your heart pumps less blood through the blood vessels with each beat, so blood pressure decreases.

What are the side effects of Enalapril?

Common side effects of enalapril may include: Dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, particularly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Dry cough (which occurred in approximately 5% to 35% of those taking ACE inhibitors) 6 . Skin rash.

What is the name of the medication that lowers blood pressure?

Enalapril (brand name Vasotec) is a prescription anti-hypertensive drug to lower high blood pressure . The primary action of enalapril is to lower the blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to circulate sufficiently around the body.

Does enalapril help with high blood pressure?

ACE inhibitors work to relax the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. In addition to treating high blood pressure, enalapril is also used to treat heart failure. For those with hypertension (high blood pressure) enalapril may be given to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. 1 

Can you take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide together?

Sometimes enalapril is combined with hydrochlorothiazide (another anti-hypertensive drug). 4  The two drugs taken together (enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide) helps to potentiate (cause the other to be more effective) each other.

Does Enalapril help with congestive heart failure?

For congestive heart failure, enalapril is usually given in combination with other medications, such as those that help rid the body of excess fluids (called diuretics) as well as a drug that strengthens the cardiac (heart) output, called digitalis .

Is enalapril an ACE inhibitor?

For example, lisinopril is given to those who have had a heart attack or for the treatment of heart failure. Whereas, enalapril is given to treat heart failure, but not heart attacks.

Is ACE inhibitor safe for adults?

2 . Enalapril is considered safe and effective for adults and children.

What is the generic name for acebutolol?

Beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's output of blood, which lowers blood pressure. Generic name. Common brand names. acebutolol. Sectral*. atenolol. Tenormin*. betaxolol.

What is the drug that prevents calcium from entering the heart?

Calcium channel blockers. This drug prevents calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and arteries. When calcium enters these cells, it causes a stronger and harder contraction, so by decreasing the calcium, the hearts' contraction is not as forceful. Calcium channel blockers relax and open up narrowed blood vessels, ...

What is the chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body?

Angiotensin is a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body. ACE stands for Angiotensin -converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors help the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and open up, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.

What is a blood vessel dilator?

Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators) Blood vessel dilators, or vasodilators, can cause the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels (especial ly the arterioles) to relax , allowing the vessel to dilate (widen). This allows blood to flow through better.

What is the role of central agonists in blood pressure?

Central agonists also help decrease the blood vessels' ability to tense up or contract. The central agonists follow a different nerve pathway than the alpha and beta-blockers, but accomplish the same goal of blood pressure reduction.

What is a combined alpha and beta blocker?

Combined alpha and beta-blockers are used as an IV drip for those patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis. They may be prescribed for outpatient high blood pressure use if the patient is at risk for heart failure.

Can diuretics cause impotence?

This side effect isn't common and can be managed by other treatment. People with diabetes may find that diuretic drugs increase their blood sugar level . A change in medication, diet, insulin or oral anti-diabetic dosage corrects this in most cases. Impotence may occur.

About high blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, you are one of about 116 million people in the United States who also have it.

Top 10 high blood pressure medications

Drugs that treat high blood pressure are known as antihypertensives. Blood pressure medications work by:

Classes of blood pressure medications

There are many classes of antihypertensive medications and many drugs within each class. This results in a large number of drugs that doctors can use to treat high blood pressure.

Frequently asked questions

The following sections answer some frequently asked questions about the treatment of high blood pressure.

Summary

There are many options available for treating high blood pressure. If you are experiencing side effects or are otherwise unhappy with your current medication, talk with your doctor. It may be possible to try a different drug and get better results.

What are lisinopril, enalapril, and benazepril?

As mentioned, lisinopril, enalapril, and benazepril are all ACE inhibitors. They’ve been around for over 20 years and are all available as generics. Here are some of their brand-name counterparts.

What is the best medication for hypertension?

If you have hypertension, you may be prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor for short. This class of drugs is one of the most commonly used drugs for hypertension and is recommended as first-line treatment for people with hypertension, alongside two other types of drugs: calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics. However, there are many different ACE inhibitors, and you may wonder what the difference is between all of them. Three of the most popular are lisinopril, enalapril, and benazepril. Let’s take a look at how they compare.

How do ACE inhibitors work?

By blocking ACE from working, ACE inhibitors are able to help blood vessels relax, among other things. This can help in many ways, but the primary use of these drugs is to lower blood pressure.

How long does it take for lisinopril to work?

However, although they all work relatively quickly (within 1 to 2 hours), they differ in how long they stay effective. Enalapril and benazepril, the older drugs of the three, tend to only work for a few hours depending on the person, whereas lisinopril is newer and generally lasts longer. This affects how often you need to take each drug. More on that below.

Can potassium supplements cause heart palpitations?

Potassium supplements – While potassium supplements are not technically drugs, they can interact dangerously with ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors can raise your potassium levels as a side effect, and any extra potassium will increase your risk for symptoms of high potassium such as weakness, trouble breathing, and heart palpitations, which can be life-threatening. Avoid extra potassium unless directed to take them by your provider. This goes for other sources of extra potassium too like salt substitutes and potassium-containing medications (like Klor-Con and K-Tab).

Can Lisinopril be used for heart failure?

The three drugs also differ in how what conditions they can treat. Lisinopril can be used for heart failure and for people who’ve had a heart attack. Enalapril can also be used for heart failure but not heart attacks. Benazepril can only be used for hypertension. This is because although these three drugs work in a similar way, they were studied differently and as such, the FDA has different approved uses for each one.

Do thiazide diuretics work for hypertension?

Lastly, while these drugs work well in most people, research has shown that they may not work as well for hypertension in African American patients and that other blood pressure drugs like calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics might work better in this population.

Overview

Why it’s used

How it works

• Enalapril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. A cl…
  Enalapril helps your blood vessels relax and widen. This lowers your blood pressure.
• Enalapril can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key sid…
  For more information on the possible side effects of Enalapril, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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More common side effects

Serious side effects

Forms and strengths

Dosage for high blood pressure

Dosage for heart failure

Dosage for asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction

Swelling warning

Low blood pressure warning

Dry cough warning

Allergy warning

Food interactions

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

Warnings for other groups

Pain drugs

Heart and blood pressure drugs

Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and potassium-containing salt substitutes

Lithium

Gold

Drugs used to prevent rejection of an organ transplant

Drugs called neprilysin inhibitors

Travel

Self-management

Clinical monitoring

Sun sensitivity

Hidden costs

How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

Interactions

Further Information

Uses

• ACE inhibitors are commonly the first line treatment for those with diabetes and high blood pressure because they can help protect the kidneys from damage that can occur from high blood sugar.2 Enalapril is considered safe and effective for adults and children. The medication is FDA approved for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) a...

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Before Taking

Dosage

Side Effects

Warnings and Interactions