Enalapril: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, a type of medicine that helps lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart. It is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain cases of reduced heart function after a heart attack. Your doctor will choose the dose based on your condition, other medicines, and kidney function.
Enalapril can help control blood pressure and protect the heart, but it may cause dizziness or a dry cough. Take it exactly as prescribed, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, interactions, and pregnancy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09AA02
- Generic
- Enalapril
- Class
- ace-inhibitor
- Brands
- Vasotec
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 11
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- renal-function, blood-pressure, potassium
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5-20mg once daily or divided twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.08mg/kg once daily, max 5mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5-5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
discontinue use when pregnancy is detected; avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound for renal function
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
contraindicated in second and third trimesters due to risk of fetal renal failure, oligohydramnios, pulmonary hypoplasia, skull hypoplasia, and death
intensive fetal monitoring; assess amniotic fluid volume
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
small amounts excreted in breast milk; generally considered compatible but monitor infant for hypotension
monitor infant for symptoms of hypotension such as excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at 2.5 mg once daily; may increase gradually
increased sensitivity to ACE inhibitors; higher risk of orthostatic hypotension and renal impairment; start at lowest effective dose
monitor blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 16 years0.2 mg/kg once daily; max 20 mg/day
approved for hypertension in children 6 years and older; adjust dose based on response; monitor growth and development
monitor blood pressure, renal function, serum potassium, and growth parameters
renal_impairment
mild to moderatestart at 2.5-5 mg once daily
use with caution; monitor renal function and potassium; dose may need adjustment based on creatinine clearance
monitor serum creatinine and potassium within 1-2 weeks of initiation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe crcl 302.5 mg daily; monitor closely
use with extreme caution; avoid if possible; dialysis patients require close monitoring
frequent monitoring of renal function and electrolytes; monitor for hypotension after dialysis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment needed initially
use with caution; no standard dose adjustment; monitor for enhanced hypotensive effect
monitor blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Enalapril
Drug class
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy