From the Guidelines
Enalapril can be used to treat hypertension, as it belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which have been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving outcomes in patients with hypertension. According to the British Hypertension Society guidelines 1, ACE inhibitors are a suitable option for the treatment of hypertension, particularly in patients with certain compelling indications such as heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, or diabetic nephropathy. The guidelines also note that ACE inhibitors may have additional benefits beyond their antihypertensive effects, such as renoprotective effects in patients with diabetes.
When using enalapril to treat hypertension, it is essential to monitor for potential side effects, such as:
- Dry cough
- Dizziness
- Elevated potassium levels It is also crucial to take the medication consistently at the same time each day, and it may be taken with or without food. Regular blood pressure monitoring is necessary to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Certain patient populations should use enalapril with caution, including:
- Pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects
- Patients with kidney disease, as it may worsen renal function
- Patients taking certain medications, such as potassium supplements or NSAIDs, which may interact with enalapril
The European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology guidelines 1 also support the use of ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, as a treatment option for hypertension, particularly in patients with coronary heart disease or heart failure. The guidelines emphasize the importance of blood pressure reduction in improving outcomes in these patients, and note that the choice of antihypertensive agent should be based on individual patient characteristics and comorbidities.
From the FDA Drug Label
Enalapril maleate is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Enalapril maleate is effective alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, especially thiazide-type diuretics.
Yes, enalapril can be used to treat hypertension 2.
- It is effective alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
- The blood pressure lowering effects of enalapril are approximately additive to those of thiazide-type diuretics.
From the Research
Enalapril as a Treatment for Hypertension
- Enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is effective in lowering blood pressure in all grades of essential and renovascular hypertension 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It decreases peripheral vascular resistance without increasing heart rate or output, making it a suitable treatment option for patients with hypertension 3, 4, 5.
- Enalapril can be used as a first-line therapeutic option, and its efficacy is comparable to other established antihypertensive agents, including diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and alpha-blockers 3, 5, 7.
Efficacy and Tolerability
- Enalapril is well tolerated, with a favorable profile of efficacy and tolerability, and is associated with fewer serious adverse effects compared to other antihypertensive drug classes 3, 5, 7.
- The most common adverse effects reported with enalapril are headache, dizziness, and fatigue, while cough is a less frequent but notable side effect 3, 6, 7.
- Enalapril is effective in elderly and young adult patients, although its efficacy may vary between white and black hypertensive patients 7.
Clinical Experience and Recommendations
- Enalapril has been shown to improve cardiac performance, reduce left ventricular hypertrophy, and increase exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure 4, 5, 7.
- It is recommended to use enalapril with caution in patients with impaired renal function, as it may increase plasma creatinine levels 6.
- The benefit-to-risk ratio of enalapril is considered to be among the best of the antihypertensive therapies currently available, making it a valuable treatment option for patients with hypertension 7.