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Enalapril is one of the ACE inhibitors that is generally used in the treatment of high blood pressure disease. ACE is an enzyme in the body that is responsible for the formation of Angiotensin II. This Angiotensin II causes the artery wall to narrow down thus increasing blood pressure. An ACE inhibitor, Enalapril lowers the blood pressure thus preventing the formation of Angiotensin II, relaxing the arteries. Enalapril is an approved drug by the FDA in December, 1985. The brand name is Vasotec.

Using Enalapril:
The Enalapril is available in the form of tablets and also injections. While the tablets come in doses of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg, the injection is available in 1.25 mg/mL preparation. Generally the Enalapril drug is used individually or in combination with the other drugs for the treatment of patients suffering from high blood pressure or even a heart failure. Enalapril has been also found to be very effective for improving the damaged heart conditions after an heart attack. The usual oral dose is 2.5-40 mg once daily. However this is subject to change and can be attributed to close monitoring of the patients health. The doses for heart failure is 2.5-20 mg given twice daily. The usual intravenous dose is about 1.25 mg for every 6 hours.

About Enalapril reactions:
It is possible that Enalapril may increase the potassium levels in blood vessels. Thus there is a potential risk if Enalapril is given with potassium supplements. Enalapril is also harmful for fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women and also nursing mothers. Enalapril side effects:
Mostly , Enalapril is a well tolerated drug and though side effects do exist, these are mild and transient. Generally among the main side effect mention may be made of a dry persistent cough. However with the discontinuation of the medicine, the cough does not bother any more. Among the many other rare side effects Enalapril , abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, fainting, tingling in the hands or feet, rash are some of the examples. In very rare cases, liver dysfunction and jaundice have been reported.