Enalapril is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, heart attacks (myocardial infarction), and other cardiovascular conditions. Enalapril is part of a family of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, which help blood vessels to relax and expand, lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Almost half of all Americans have high blood pressure, a condition in which the blood flowing through your body pushes too hard against the walls of your veins. This can lead to a variety of health problems such as heart attack or stroke.

Enalapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the formation of a hormone that narrows arteries and increases blood pressure.

It should be noted that enalapril should be used as part of a complete therapy program, and is not sufficient to fully bring high blood pressure under control. Drugs like enalapril work best when combined with diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

While adverse reactions to enalapril are rare, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including rash, cough, weakness, and dizziness.

If any side effects persist or become severe, tell your doctor.

More serious side effects of enalapril may include:

Signs of infection including fever, chills, and sore throat Feeling lightheaded Swelling of the lower legs (including feet and ankles) Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes Swelling of the hands Jaundice of the eyes and skin Fainting Hoarseness Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you believe you are experiencing serious side effects of enalapril, contact your doctor immediately.

This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse reactions you may experience while taking enalapril, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

If you are taking enalapril for high blood pressure and are not already on a diuretic, the usual starting dose of enalapril is 5 mg, taken once daily. If you are switching blood pressure medications, you should wait for 2 to 3 days before beginning enalapril. The typical continued dosage of enalapril is from 10 to 40 mg, taken once per day in a single dose. The dosage may be adjusted based on your response to the medication.

If you are taking enalapril and have renal impairment, your starting dosage will likely start around 2.5 to 3 mg, based on your creatinine clearance.

If you have been prescribed enalapril for heart failure, your doctor will likely start you at a daily dosage of 2.5 mg.

Your starting dosage depends on your age and the reasons you are taking enalapril. Your doctor will help you determine what starting dosage is right for you.

Enalapril is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not enalapril is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.