Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Enalapril maleate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Enalapril maleate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Enalapril contains an active substance called enalapril maleate. This belongs to the group of medicines called ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors). Enalapril is used:

  • to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • to treat heart failure (weakening of heart function). It can lower the need to go to hospital and can help some patients live longer
  • to prevent the signs of heart failure. The signs include: shortness of breath, tiredness after light physical activity such as walking, or swelling of the ankles and feet This medicine works by widening your blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure. The medicine usually starts to work within an hour, and the effect lasts for at least 24 hours. Some people will require several weeks of treatment until the best effect on their blood pressure is seen.

What you need to know before you take it

e Enalapril Do not take Enalapril

  • if you are allergic to enalapril maleate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a type of medicine similar to this medicine called an ACE inhibitor
  • if you have ever had swelling of your face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which caused difficulty in swallowing or breathing (angioedema) when the reason why was not known or it was inherited
  • if you have diabetes or impaired kidney function and you are treated with a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren
  • if you are more than 3 months pregnant. (It is also better to avoid Enalapril in early pregnancy – see Pregnancy section)
  • if you have taken or are currently taking sacubitril/ valsartan, a medicine used to treat a type of longterm (chronic) heart failure in adults, as the risk of angioedema (rapid swelling under the skin in an area such as the throat) is increased Do not take this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Enalapril:
  • if you have a heart problem
  • if you have a condition involving the blood vessels in the brain
  • if you have a blood problem such as low or lack of white blood cells (neutropenia/agranulocytosis), low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or a decreased number of red blood cells (anaemia)
  • if you have a liver problem
  • if you have a kidney problem (including kidney transplantation), are on a salt-restricted diet, are taking potassium supplements, potassiumsparing agents, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or other drugs that may increase potassium in your blood (e.g., heparin [a medicine used to prevent blood clots], trimethoprimcontaining products such as cotrimoxazole [medicines used to treat infections]). These may lead to higher levels of potassium in your blood which can be serious. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Enalapril or monitor your blood level of potassium. See also information under the heading "Other medicines and Enalapril"
  • if you are having dialysis
  • if you have been very sick (excessive vomiting) or had bad diarrhoea recently
  • if you have diabetes. You should monitor your blood for low blood glucose levels, especially during the first month of treatment. The level of potassium in your blood can also be higher
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing. You should be aware that black patients are at increased risk of these types of reactions to ACE inhibitors
  • if you have low blood pressure (you may notice this as faintness or dizziness, especially when standing)
  • if you have collagen vascular disease (e.g., lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma), are on therapy that suppresses your immune system, are taking the drugs allopurinol or procainamide, or any combinations of these
  • if you are taking any of the following medicines, the risk of angioedema may be increased:
  • Racecadotril, a medicine used to treat diarrhoea.
  • Medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection and for cancer (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus).
  • Vildagliptin, a medicine used to treat diabetes.
  • if you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure:
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) (also known as sartans – for example valsartan, telmisartan, irbesartan, etc.), in particular if you have diabetes-related kidney problems.
  • Aliskiren. Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and the amount of electrolytes (e.g., potassium) in your blood at regular intervals. See also information under the heading "Do not take Enalapril". You must tell your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. This medicine is not recommended in early pregnancy and must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used at that stage (see Pregnancy section). You should be aware that this medicine lowers the blood pressure in black patients less effectively than in nonblack patients. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. If you are about to have a procedure If you are about to have any of the following, tell your doctor that you are taking Enalapril:
  • any surgery or receive anaesthetics (even at the dentist)
  • a treatment to remove cholesterol from your blood called 'LDL apheresis'
  • a desensitisation treatment, to lower the effect of an allergy to bee or wasp stings If any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or dentist before the procedure. Other medicines and Enalapril Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes herbal medicines. This is because Enalapril can affect the way some medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way Enalapril works. Your doctor may need to change your dose and/or to take other precautions. In particular tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or aliskiren (see also information under the headings "Do not take Enalapril " and "Warnings and precautions")
  • other medicines to lower blood pressure, such as betablockers or water tablets (diuretics)
  • potassium supplements (including salt substitutes), potassium-sparing diuretics and other medicines that can increase the amount of potassium in your blood (e.g., trimethoprim and co-trimoxazole for infections caused by bacteria; ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant medicine used to prevent organ transplant rejection; and heparin, a medicine used to thin blood to prevent clots). See also information under the heading "Warnings and precautions"
  • medicines for diabetes (including oral antidiabetic medicines and insulin)
  • lithium (a medicine used to treat a certain kind of depression)
  • medicines for depression called 'tricyclic antidepressants'
  • medicines for mental problems called 'antipsychotics'
  • certain cough and cold medicines and weight reducing medicines which contain something called a 'sympathomimetic agent'
  • certain pain or arthritis medicines including gold therapy
  • an mTOR inhibitor (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus; medicines used to treat certain types of cancer or to prevent the body's immune system from rejecting a transplanted organ). See also information under the heading "Warnings and precautions"
  • a medicine containing a neprilysin inhibitor such as sacubitril (available as fixed-dose combination with valsartan), racecadotril or vildagliptin. The risk of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing) may be increased. See also information under the headings "Do not take Enalapril" and "Warnings and precautions"
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including COX-2-inhibitors (medicines that reduce inflammation, and can be used to help relieve pain)
  • aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
  • medicines used to dissolve blood clots (thrombolytics)
  • alcohol If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Enalapril. Enalapril with food, drink and alcohol Enalapril can be taken with or without food. Most people take Enalapril with a drink of water. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Pregnancy If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Your doctor will normally advise you to stop taking Enalapril before you become pregnant or as soon as you know you are pregnant and will advise you to take another medicine instead of Enalapril. This medicine is not recommended in early pregnancy and must not be taken when more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used after the third month of pregnancy. Breast-feeding Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or about to start breast-feeding. Breast-feeding newborn babies (first few weeks after birth), and especially premature babies, is not recommended whilst taking this medicine. In the case of an older baby your doctor should advise you on the benefits and risks of taking this medicine whilst breast-

feeding, compared to other treatments. Driving and using machines You may feel dizzy or sleepy while taking this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Enalapril contains lactose Enalapril contains lactose, which is a type of sugar. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. Enalapril contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

How to take it

Enalapril Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

  • It is very important to continue taking this medicine for as long as your doctor prescribes it.
  • Do not take more tablets than prescribed.
  • The score line is only there to help you break the tablet if you have difficulty swallowing it whole. High blood pressure
  • The usual starting dose ranges from 5 to 20 mg taken once a day.
  • Some patients may need a lower starting dose.
  • The usual long-term dose is 20 mg taken once a day.
  • The maximal long-term dose is 40 mg taken once a day. Heart failure
  • The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg taken once a day.
  • Your doctor will raise this amount step by step until the dose that is right for you has been achieved.
  • The usual long-term dose is 20 mg each day, taken in one or two doses.
  • The maximal long-term dose is 40 mg each day, divided in two doses. Patients with kidney problems Your dose of medicine will be changed depending on how well your kidneys are working:
  • moderate kidney problems – 5 mg to 10 mg each day
  • severe kidney problems – 2.5 mg each day
  • if you are having dialysis – 2.5 mg each day. On days you are not having dialysis, your dose may be changed depending on how low your blood pressure is Elderly patients Your dose will be decided by your doctor and will be based on how well your kidneys are working. Use in children Experience in the use of Enalapril in children with high blood pressure is limited. If the child can swallow tablets, the dose will be worked out using the child's weight and blood pressure. The usual starting doses are:
  • between 20 kg and 50 kg – 2.5 mg each day
  • more than 50 kg – 5 mg each day The dose can be changed according to the needs of the child:
  • a maximum of 20 mg daily can be used in children who are between 20 kg and 50 kg
  • a maximum of 40 mg daily can be used in children who are more than 50 kg This medicine is not recommended in newborn babies (first few weeks after birth) and in children with kidney problems. If you take more Enalapril than you should If you take more Enalapril than you should, talk to your doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. The following effects may happen: feeling of light-headedness or dizziness. This is due to a sudden or excessive drop in blood pressure. If you forget to take Enalapril
  • If you forget to take a tablet, skip the missed dose.
  • Take the next dose as usual.
  • Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Enalapril Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Stop taking Enalapril and talk to a doctor straight away, if you notice any of the following:
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. This can occur at any time during treatment.
  • swelling of your hands, feet or ankles.
  • if you develop a raised red skin rash (hives). You should be aware that black patients are at increased risk of these types of reactions. If any of the above happen, stop taking Enalapril and talk to a doctor straight away. When you start taking this medicine you may feel faint or dizzy. If this happens, it will help to lie down. This is caused by your blood pressure lowering. It should improve as you continue to take the medicine. If you are worried, please talk to your doctor. Other side effects include: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
  • feeling dizzy, weak or sick
  • blurred vision
  • cough Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
  • light-headedness due to low blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, fast heartbeat, angina or chest pain
  • headache, depression, fainting (syncope), change in sense of taste
  • shortness of breath
  • diarrhoea, abdominal pain
  • tiredness (fatigue)
  • rash, allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • high levels of potassium in the blood, increased levels of creatinine in your blood (both are usually detected by a test) Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
  • flushing
  • sudden fall in blood pressure
  • fast or uneven heart beats (palpitations)
  • heart attack (possibly due to very low blood pressure in certain high-risk patients, including those with blood flow problems of the heart or brain)
  • stroke (possibly due to very low blood pressure in highrisk patients)
  • anaemia (including aplastic and haemolytic)
  • confusion, sleeplessness or sleepiness, nervousness
  • feeling your skin prickling or being numb
  • vertigo (spinning sensation)
  • ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
  • runny nose, sore throat or hoarseness
  • asthma-associated tightness in chest
  • slow movement of food through your intestine (ileus), inflammation of your pancreas
  • being sick (vomiting), indigestion, constipation, anorexia
  • irritated stomach (gastric irritations), dry mouth, ulcer
  • muscle cramps
  • impaired kidney function, kidney failure
  • increased sweating
  • itching or nettle rash
  • hair loss
  • generally feeling unwell (malaise), high temperature (fever)
  • impotence
  • high level of proteins in your urine (measured in a test)
  • low level of blood sugar or sodium, high level of blood urea (all measured in a blood test) Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
  • 'Raynaud's phenomenon' where your hands and feet may become very cold and white due to low blood flow
  • changes in blood values such as a lower number of white and red blood cells, lower haemoglobin, lower number of blood platelets
  • bone marrow depression
  • swollen glands in neck, armpit or groin
  • autoimmune diseases
  • strange dreams or sleep problems
  • accumulation of fluid or other substances in the lungs (as seen on X-rays)
  • inflammation of your nose
  • inflammation of the lungs causing difficulty breathing (pneumonia)
  • inflammation of the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, throat
  • reduced amount of urine
  • rash that looks like targets (erythema multiforme)
  • 'Stevens-Johnson syndrome' and 'toxic epidermal necrolysis' (serious skin conditions where you have reddening and scaling of your skin, blistering or raw sores), exfoliative dermatitis/erythroderma (severe skin rash with flaking or peeling of the skin), pemphigus (small fluid-filled bumps on the skin)
  • liver or gallbladder problems such as lower liver function, inflammation of your liver, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), high levels of liver enzymes or bilirubin (measured in a blood test)
  • enlargement of breasts in males (gynaecomastia) Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
  • swelling in your intestine (intestinal angioedema) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
  • overproduction of antidiuretic hormone, which causes fluid retention, resulting in weakness, tiredness or confusion
  • a symptom complex has been reported which may include some or all of the following: fever, inflammation of the blood vessels (serositis/vasculitis), muscle pain (myalgia/myositis), joint pain (arthralgia/arthritis). Rash, photosensitivity or other skin manifestations may occur Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting

Possible side effects

you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Enalapril

  • Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.
  • Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Enalapril contains

  • The active substance is enalapril maleate (either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg).
  • The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, sodium bicarbonate, pregelatinised maize starch, maize starch, magnesium stearate. The 10 mg and 20 mg tablets also contain iron oxide red (E172). What Enalapril looks like and contents of the pack Enalapril Maleate Tablets 2.5 mg and Enalapril Maleate Tablets 5 mg are white, round, biconvex tablets, bisected on one side. The 2.5 mg tablets are of smaller size than the 5 mg tablets. Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg and Enalapril Maleate Tablets 20 mg are pink, round, biconvex tablets, quadrisected on one side. The 10 mg tablets are of smaller size than the 20 mg tablets. All strengths of tablets are available in packs of 28 tablets in foil blister strips. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Dexcel®-Pharma Ltd., 2nd Floor, Bourn, 1 Manor House Drive, Coventry, CV1 2FX, UK This leaflet was last revised in January 2026

1221020117-U_Dexcel_001806_1

Frequently asked questions about Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg

How do I take Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg?

Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg comes as tablet containing 10mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg?

The active substance in Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg is enalapril maleate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Innovace 10 mg Tablets, Enalapril 10mg Tablets. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Enalapril Maleate Tablets 10 mg without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Enalapril maleate (17 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

• Treatment of Hypertension

• Treatment of Symptomatic Heart Failure

• Prevention of Symptomatic Heart Failure in patients with Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 35%) (see section 5.1)

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The absorption of Enalapril Maleate Tablets is not affected by food.

The dose should be individualised according to patient profile (see section 4.4) and blood pressure response.

Paediatric Population

There is limited clinical trial experience of the use of enalapril in hypertensive paediatric patients (see sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2).

Hypertension

The initial dose is 5 to maximally 20 mg, depending on the degree of hypertension and the condition of the patient (see below). Enalapril Maleate Tablets is given once daily. In mild hypertension, the recommended initial dose is 5 to 10 mg. Patients with a strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g., renovascular hypertension, salt and/or volume depletion, cardiac decompensation, or severe hypertension) may experience an excessive blood pressure fall following the initial dose. A starting dose of 5 mg or lower is recommended in such patients and the initiation of treatment should take place under medical supervision.

Prior treatment with high dose diuretics may result in volume depletion and a risk of hypotension when initiating therapy with enalapril. A starting dose of 5 mg or lower is recommended in such patients. If possible, diuretic therapy should be discontinued for 2-3 days prior to initiation of therapy with Enalapril Maleate Tablets. Renal function and serum potassium should be monitored.

The usual maintenance dose is 20 mg daily. The maximum maintenance dose is 40 mg daily.

Heart Failure/Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

In the management of symptomatic heart failure, Enalapril Maleate Tablets is used in addition to diuretics and, where appropriate, digitalis or beta-blockers. The initial dose of Enalapril Maleate Tablets in patients with symptomatic heart failure or asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction is 2.5 mg, and it should be administered under close medical supervision to determine the initial effect on the blood pressure. In the absence of, or after effective management of, symptomatic hypotension following initiation of therapy with Enalapril Maleate Tablets in heart failure, the dose should be increased gradually to the usual maintenance dose of 20 mg, given in a single dose or two divided doses, as tolerated by the patient. This dose titration is recommended to be performed over a 2 to 4 week period. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily given in two divided doses.

Table 1: Suggested Dosage Titration of Enalapril Maleate Tablets in Patients with Heart Failure/Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Week

Dose

mg/day

Week 1

Days 1 to 3: 2.5 mg/day* in a single dose

Days 4 to 7: 5 mg/day in two divided doses

Week 2

10 mg/day in a single dose or in two divided doses

Weeks 3 and 4

20 mg/day in a single dose or in two divided doses

*Special precautions should be followed in patients with impaired renal function or taking diuretics (see section 4.4).

Blood pressure and renal function should be monitored closely both before and after starting treatment with Enalapril Maleate Tablets (see section 4.4) because hypotension and (more rarely) consequent renal failure have been reported. In patients treated with diuretics, the dose should be reduced if possible before beginning treatment with Enalapril Maleate Tablets. The appearance of hypotension after the initial dose of Enalapril Maleate Tablets does not imply that hypotension will recur during chronic therapy with Enalapril Maleate Tablets and does not preclude continued use of the drug. Serum potassium and renal function also should be monitored.

Dosage in Renal Insufficiency

Generally, the intervals between the administration of enalapril should be prolonged and/or the dosage reduced.

Table 2: Dosage in Renal Insufficiency

Creatinine Clearance (CrCL)

mL/min

Initial Dose

mg/day

30<CrCL<80 mL/min.

5 - 10 mg

10<CrCL≤30 mL/min.

2.5 mg

CrCL≤10 mL/min.

2.5 mg on dialysis days*

*See section 4.4. Enalaprilat is dialysable. Dosage on nondialysis days should be adjusted depending on the blood pressure response.

Use in Elderly

The dose should be in line with the renal function of the elderly patient (see section 4.4).

Use in Paediatrics

For patients who can swallow tablets, the dose should be individualised according to patient profile and blood pressure response. The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg in patients 20 to < 50 kg and 5 mg in patients ≥ 50 kg. Enalapril Maleate Tablets is given once daily. The dosage should be adjusted according to the needs of the patient to a maximum of 20 mg daily in patients 20 to < 50 kg and 40 mg in patients ≥ 50 kg (see section 4.4).

Enalapril Maleate Tablets are not recommended in neonates and in paediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, as no data are available.

Method of administration

Oral use.

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or any other ACE inhibitor.

• History of angioedema associated with previous ACE inhibitor therapy.

• Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema.

• Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).

• The concomitant use of Enalapril Maleate Tablets with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

• Concomitant use with sacubitril/valsartan therapy. Enalapril Maleate Tablets must not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see also sections 4.4 and 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Symptomatic Hypotension

Symptomatic hypotension is rarely seen in uncomplicated hypertensive patients. In hypertensive patients receiving Enalapril Maleate Tablets, symptomatic hypotension is more likely to occur if the patient has been volume depleted, e.g., by diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhoea or vomiting (see sections 4.5 and 4.8). In patients with heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, symptomatic hypotension has been observed. This is most likely to occur in those patients with more severe degrees of heart failure, as reflected by the use of high doses of loop diuretics, hyponatraemia or functional renal impairment. In these patients, therapy should be started under medical supervision and the patients should be followed closely whenever the dose of Enalapril Maleate Tablets and/or diuretic is adjusted. Similar considerations may apply to patients with ischaemic heart or cerebrovascular disease in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in a myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident.

If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the supine position and, if necessary, should receive an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further doses, which can be given usually without difficulty once the blood pressure has increased after volume expansion.

In some patients with heart failure who have normal or low blood pressure, additional lowering of systemic blood pressure may occur with Enalapril Maleate Tablets. This effect is anticipated, and usually is not a reason to discontinue treatment. If hypotension becomes symptomatic, a reduction of dose and/or discontinuation of the diuretic and/or Enalapril Maleate Tablets may be necessary.

Aortic or Mitral Valve Stenosis/Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

As with all vasodilators, ACE inhibitors should be given with caution in patients with left ventricular valvular and outflow tract obstruction and avoided in cases of cardiogenic shock and haemodynamically significant obstruction.

Renal Function Impairment

In cases of renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 80 mL/min) the initial enalapril dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's creatinine clearance (see section 4.2) and then as a function of the patient's response to treatment. Routine monitoring of potassium and creatinine are part of normal medical practice for these patients.

Renal failure has been reported in association with enalapril and has been mainly in patients with severe heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis. If recognised promptly and treated appropriately, renal failure when associated with therapy with enalapril is usually reversible.

Some hypertensive patients, with no apparent pre-existing renal disease have developed increases in blood urea and creatinine when enalapril has been given concurrently with a diuretic. Dosage reduction of enalapril and/or discontinuation of the diuretic may be required. This situation should raise the possibility of underlying renal artery stenosis (see section 4.4, Renovascular hypertension).

Renovascular Hypertension

There is an increased risk of hypotension and renal insufficiency when patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a single functioning kidney are treated with ACE inhibitors. Loss of renal function may occur with only mild changes in serum creatinine. In these patients, therapy should be initiated under close medical supervision with low doses, careful titration, and monitoring of renal function.

Kidney Transplantation

There is no experience regarding the administration of enalapril maleate in patients with a recent kidney transplantation. Treatment with Enalapril Maleate Tablets is therefore not recommended.

Hepatic Failure

Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice or hepatitis and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and (sometimes) death. The mechanism of this syndrome is not understood. Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive appropriate medical follow-up.

Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and anaemia have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors. In patients with normal renal function and no other complicating factors, neutropenia occurs rarely. Enalapril should be used with extreme caution in patients with collagen vascular disease, immunosuppressant therapy, treatment with allopurinol or procainamide, or a combination of these complicating factors, especially if there is pre-existing impaired renal function. Some of these patients developed serious infections which in a few instances did not respond to intensive antibiotic therapy. If enalapril is used in such patients, periodic monitoring of white blood cell counts is advised and patients should be instructed to report any sign of infection.

Hypersensitivity/Angioneurotic Oedema

Angioneurotic oedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported in patients treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, including enalapril maleate. Angioedema can occur immediately after starting ACE inhibitor treatment, however severe angioedema may also develop after months or years of long-term treatment with an ACE inhibitor. In such cases, Enalapril Maleate Tablets should be discontinued promptly and appropriate monitoring should be instituted to ensure complete resolution of symptoms prior to dismissing the patient. Even in those instances where swelling of only the tongue is involved, without respiratory distress, patients may require prolonged observation since treatment with antihistamines and corticosteroids may not be sufficient.

Healthcare professionals should review the response to treatment noting standard therapies for histamine-mediated angioedema may be ineffective for bradykinin-mediated angioedema.

Very rarely, fatalities have been reported due to angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema or tongue oedema. Patients with involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx are likely to experience airway obstruction, especially those with a history of airway surgery. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, which may include subcutaneous epinephrine solution 1:1000 (0.3 mL to 0.5 mL) and/or measures to ensure a patent airway, should be administered promptly.

Black patients receiving ACE inhibitors have been reported to have a higher incidence of angioedema compared to non-blacks.

Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor (see section 4.3).

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated due to the increased risk of angioedema. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan must not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of Enalapril Maleate Tablets. Treatment with Enalapril Maleate Tablets must not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with racecadotril, mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) and vildagliptin may lead to an increased risk of angioedema (e.g., swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment) (see section 4.5). Caution should be used when starting racecadotril, mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) and vildagliptin in a patient already taking an ACE inhibitor.

Anaphylactoid Reactions during Hymenoptera Desensitisation

Rarely, patients receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitisation with hymenoptera venom have experienced life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions were avoided by temporarily withholding ACE inhibitor therapy prior to each desensitisation.

Anaphylactoid Reactions during LDL Apheresis

Rarely, patients receiving ACE inhibitors during low density lipoprotein (LDL)-apheresis with dextran sulfate have experienced life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions were avoided by temporarily withholding ACE inhibitor therapy prior to each apheresis.

Haemodialysis Patients

Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients dialysed with high-flux membranes (e.g., AN 69) and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. In these patients consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or a different class of antihypertensive agent.

Hypoglycaemia

Diabetic patients treated with oral antidiabetic agents or insulin starting an ACE inhibitor should be told to closely monitor for hypoglycaemia, especially during the first month of combined use (see section 4.5).

Cough

Cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. Characteristically, the cough is non-productive, persistent, and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor-induced cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.

Surgery/Anaesthesia

In patients undergoing major surgery or during anaesthesia with agents that produce hypotension, enalapril blocks angiotensin II formation secondary to compensatory renin release. If hypotension occurs and is considered to be due to this mechanism, it can be corrected by volume expansion.

Hyperkalaemia

ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalaemia because they inhibit the release of aldosterone. The effect is usually not significant in patients with normal renal function. However, in patients with impaired renal function and/or in patients taking potassium supplements (including salt substitutes), potassium-sparing diuretics, trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole also known as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and especially aldosterone antagonists or angiotensin receptor blockers, hyperkalaemia can occur. Potassium-sparing diuretics and angiotensin receptor blockers should be used with caution in patients receiving ACE inhibitors, and serum potassium and renal function should be monitored (see section 4.5).

Lithium

The combination of lithium and enalapril is generally not recommended (see section 4.5).

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia, and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

If dual blockade therapy is considered absolutely necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure.

ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Paediatric population

There is limited efficacy and safety experience in hypertensive children > 6 years old, but no experience in other indications. Limited pharmacokinetic data are available in children above 2 months of age (see sections 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2). Enalapril Maleate Tablets are not recommended in children in other indications than hypertension.

Enalapril Maleate Tablets are not recommended in neonates and in paediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, as no data are available (see section 4.2).

Pregnancy

ACE inhibitors should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Ethnic differences

As with other angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, enalapril is apparently less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non-blacks, possibly because of a higher prevalence of low-renin states in the black hypertensive population.

Lactose

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Medicines increasing the risk of angioedema.

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated as this increases the risk of angioedema (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with racecadotril, mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) and vildagliptin may lead to an increased risk for angioedema (see section 4.4).

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

Clinical trial data have shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1).

Potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or other drugs that may increase serum potassium

Although serum potassium usually remains within normal limits, hyperkalaemia may occur in some patients treated with Enalapril Maleate Tablets. Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes may lead to significant increases in serum potassium. Care should also be taken when Enalapril Maleate Tablets is co-administered with other agents that increase serum potassium, such as trimethoprim and cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) as trimethoprim is known to act as a potassium-sparing diuretic like amiloride. Therefore, the combination of Enalapril Maleate Tablets with the above-mentioned drugs is not recommended. If concomitant use is indicated, they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium.

Ciclosporin

Hyperkalaemia may occur during concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with ciclosporin. Monitoring of serum potassium is recommended.

Heparin

Hyperkalaemia may occur during concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with heparin. Monitoring of serum potassium is recommended.

Diuretics (thiazide or loop diuretics)

Prior treatment with high dose diuretics may result in volume depletion and a risk of hypotension when initiating therapy with enalapril (see section 4.4). The hypotensive effects can be reduced by discontinuation of the diuretic, by increasing volume or salt intake or by initiating therapy with a low dose of enalapril.

Other antihypertensive agents

Concomitant use of these agents may increase the hypotensive effects of enalapril.

Concomitant use with nitroglycerine and other nitrates, or other vasodilators, may further reduce blood pressure.

Lithium

Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors. Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics may further increase lithium levels and enhance the risk of lithium toxicity with ACE inhibitors. Use of enalapril with lithium is not recommended, but if the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels should be performed (see section 4.4).

Tricyclic antidepressants/Antipsychotics/Anaesthetics/Narcotics

Concomitant use of certain anaesthetic medicinal products, tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics with ACE inhibitors may result in further reduction of blood pressure (see section 4.4).

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitors

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) may reduce the effect of diuretics and other antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ACE inhibitors may be attenuated by NSAIDs including selective COX-2 inhibitors.

The co-administration of NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ACE inhibitors exert an additive effect on the increase in serum potassium and may result in a deterioration of renal function. These effects are usually reversible. Rarely, acute renal failure may occur, especially in patients with compromised renal function (such as the elderly or patients who are volume-depleted, including those on diuretic therapy). Therefore, the combination should be administered with caution in patients with compromised renal function. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter.

Gold

Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy including enalapril.

Sympathomimetics

Sympathomimetics may reduce the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors.

Antidiabetics

Epidemiological studies have suggested that concomitant administration of ACE inhibitors and antidiabetic medicines (insulins, oral hypoglycaemic agents) may cause an increased blood-glucose-lowering effect with risk of hypoglycaemia. This phenomenon appeared to be more likely to occur during the first weeks of combined treatment and in patients with renal impairment (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Alcohol

Alcohol enhances the hypotensive effect of ACE inhibitors.

Acetyl salicylic acid, thrombolytics and β-blockers

Enalapril can be safely administered concomitantly with acetyl salicylic acid (at cardiologic doses), thrombolytics and β-blockers.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

ACE inhibitors:

The use of ACE inhibitors is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4). The use of ACE inhibitors is contra-indicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however, a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy.

When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

Exposure to ACE inhibitor therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human foetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia) (see section 5.3). Maternal oligohydramnios, presumably representing decreased foetal renal function, has occurred and may result in limb contractures, craniofacial deformations and hypoplastic lung development.

Should exposure to ACE inhibitors have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.

Infants whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Breast-feeding

Limited pharmacokinetic data demonstrate very low concentrations in breast milk (see section 5.2). Although these concentrations seem to be clinically irrelevant, the use of Enalapril Maleate Tablets in breast-feeding is not recommended for preterm infants and for the first few weeks after delivery, because of the hypothetical risk of cardiovascular and renal effects and because there is not enough clinical experience. In case of an older infant, the use of Enalapril Maleate Tablets in breast-feeding mother may be considered if this treatment is necessary for the mother and the child is observed for any adverse effect.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

When driving vehicles or operating machines it should be taken into account that occasionally dizziness or weariness may occur.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The following undesirable effects have been reported for enalapril in clinical studies and in post-marketing experience:

Table 3. Undesirable effects of Enalapril Maleate Tablets

System organ class

Very common

(≥1/10)

Common

(≥1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon

(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare

(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Very rare

(<1/10,000)

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Anaemia (including aplastic and haemolytic)

Neutropenia, decreases in haemoglobin, decreases in haematocrit, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy, autoimmune diseases

Endocrine disorders

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Hypoglycaemia (see section 4.4)

Psychiatric disorders

Depression

Confusion, nervousness, insomnia

Dream abnormality, sleep disorders

Nervous system disorders

Dizziness

Headache, syncope, taste alteration

Somnolence, paresthesia, vertigo

Eye disorders

Blurred vision

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Tinnitus

Cardiac disorders

Chest pain, rhythm disturbances, angina pectoris, tachycardia

Palpitations, myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident*, possibly secondary to excessive hypotension in high risk patients (see section 4.4)

Vascular disorders

Hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension)

Flushing, orthostatic hypotension

Raynaud's phenomenon

Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders

Cough

Dyspnoea

Rhinorrhoea, sore throat and hoarseness, bronchospasm/asthma

Pulmonary infiltrates, rhinitis, allergic alveolitis/eosinophilia pneumonia

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Diarrhoea, abdominal pain

Ileus, pancreatitis, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, anorexia, gastric irritations, dry mouth, peptic ulcer

Stomatitis/ aphthous ulcerations, glossitis

Intestinal angioedema

Hepatobiliary disorders

Hepatic failure, hepatitis – either hepatocellular or cholestatic, hepatitis including necrosis, cholestasis (including jaundice)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash, hypersensitivity/angioneurotic oedema: angioneurotic oedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported (see section 4.4)

Diaphoresis, pruritus, urticaria, alopecia

Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, pemphigus, erythroderma

A symptom complex has been reported which may include some or all of the following: fever, serositis, vasculitis, myalgia/myositis, arthralgia/arthritis, a positive ANA, elevated ESR, eosinophilia, and leucocytosis. Rash, photosensitivity or other dermatologic manifestations may occur

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue, and bone disorders

Muscle cramps

Renal and urinary disorders

Renal dysfunction, renal failure, proteinuria

Oliguria

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Impotence

Gynaecomastia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Asthenia

Fatigue

Malaise, fever

Investigations

Hyperkalaemia, increases in serum creatinine

Increases in blood urea, hyponatraemia

Elevations of liver enzymes, elevations of serum bilirubin

* Incidence rates were comparable to those in the placebo and active control groups in the clinical trials.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Limited data are available for overdosage in humans. The most prominent features of overdosage reported to date are marked hypotension, beginning some six hours after ingestion of tablets, concomitant with blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, and stupor. Symptoms associated with overdosage of ACE inhibitors may include circulatory shock, electrolyte disturbances, renal failure, hyperventilation, tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, dizziness, anxiety, and cough. Serum enalaprilat levels 100- and 200-fold higher than usually seen after therapeutic doses have been reported after ingestion of 300 mg and 440 mg of enalapril, respectively.

The recommended treatment of overdosage is intravenous infusion of normal saline solution. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the shock position. If available, treatment with angiotensin II infusion and/or intravenous catecholamines may also be considered. If ingestion is recent, take measures aimed at eliminating enalapril maleate (e.g., emesis, gastric lavage, administration of absorbents, and sodium sulfate). Enalaprilat may be removed from the general circulation by haemodialysis (see section 4.4).

Pacemaker therapy is indicated for therapy-resistant bradycardia. Vital signs, serum electrolytes and creatinine concentrations should be monitored continuously.

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