M-Enalapril

M-Enalapril (Enalapril Maleate)is a high blood pressure medication known as an ACE inhibitor. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. It is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Enalapril can be taken with or without food. Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking enalapril. Drink plenty of water each while you are taking this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
• chest pain; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.

• cough;
• loss of taste sensation, loss of appetite;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dry mouth;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• mild skin itching or rash.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of enalapril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking enalapril, unless your doctor has told you to.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking enalapril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store enalapril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.