Enalapril is a medication used to treat cardiovascular diseases, belonging to the class of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Its primary function is to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving cardiac function. Common indications include hypertension, heart failure, and treatment of diabetic patients with renal impairment.
This drug can dilate arteries and veins, reduce cardiac workload, and long-term use can decrease the risk of myocardial infarction. Its mechanism involves blocking the production of vasoconstrictive substances, promoting vascular relaxation to reduce blood pressure, which is especially important in patients with cardiac injury.
The generic name of Enalapril is "Enalapril," with common brand names including Vasotec®. Different pharmaceutical companies may market it under various trade names, but the active ingredient is always Enalapril maleate.
When purchasing, verify that the international non-proprietary name (INN) on the packaging is Enalapril to avoid confusion with other antihypertensive classes.
Enalapril is classified as an ACE inhibitor, used as an antihypertensive and in the treatment of heart disease. This class of drugs uniquely improves both hemodynamics and cardiac metabolism, offering particular benefits for patients with cardiac dilation or ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Unlike beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors regulate the renin-angiotensin system to protect renal and nervous system functions.
Mild reactions include dizziness, fatigue, and persistent dry cough, which typically resolve within a few weeks as the body adapts. If the cough persists or worsens, affecting daily life, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Serious side effects include:
Contraindications: Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as it may cause fetal death or congenital abnormalities. Use with caution in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, as it may lead to acute renal failure.
Black box warning includes:
When combined with diuretics or calcium channel blockers, blood pressure should be monitored to prevent excessive hypotension. Concomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretics may lead to hyperkalemia.
Avoid concurrent use with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they may reduce the antihypertensive effect. Use caution when combined with potassium supplements or potassium-containing medications, and consult a healthcare provider.
Initial dose is typically 5-10 mg once daily, taken orally in 1-2 doses. Patients with severe renal impairment should start at 2.5 mg daily, with dose adjustments guided by a physician. Do not modify the dose without medical advice.
Take at the same time each day, with or without food, maintaining consistent habits. Swallow tablets whole; do not chew. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but do not double the dose next time.
If a dose is missed, take it immediately. If it is close to the next scheduled dose (within two hours), skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not take double doses to make up for missed ones.
Set reminders or associate medication with daily routines such as meals to prevent missed doses.
An overdose may cause severe hypotension, dizziness, and acute renal failure. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Hospitalization may be necessary for blood pressure support and monitoring.
Emergency measures include gastric lavage, blood pressure and electrolyte monitoring, and in severe cases, vasopressor support or dialysis. Do not attempt to treat overdose at home.
Good, I need to generate five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Enalapril in Traditional Chinese, focusing on practical application or common concerns. First, I will ensure these questions do not overlap with the basic information already covered in the main article, such as drug details, so they should focus on actual usage or common doubts.
The first question might concern dosage adjustments, such as when to modify the dose due to uncontrolled blood pressure or side effects. The second could be about drug interactions, such as with other antihypertensives or diuretics, providing important precautions for patients.
The third question could relate to dietary considerations when taking Enalapril, such as high-potassium foods or salt intake, helping patients understand how to manage their diet during treatment. The fourth might address managing side effects like cough, which is common among patients.
The fifth could focus on long-term use, such as regular check-ups including kidney function or blood potassium levels, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring. Each question should be independent, well-formulated, and use proper HTML tags like
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