How and when to take enalapril

It's important to take enalapril as your doctor has told you.

Dosage

Your dose of enalapril depends on why you need the medicine. Take it as your doctor tells you to.

To decide the right dose for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask you if you are getting any side effects. You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood.

Depending on why you're taking enalapril, the usual starting dose for adults is between 2.5mg and 5mg once a day. This will be increased gradually over a few weeks to a usual dose of:

• 10mg, taken once a day for high blood pressure
• 10mg taken twice a day, or 20mg taken once a day, for heart failure

The maximum dose is 40mg a day, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.

Doses are usually lower for children or people with kidney problems.

The doctor will work out the dose of enalapril that is right for your child. The dose will be based on your child's age and weight and why they need this medicine.

Changes to your dose

You will probably be prescribed a low dose of enalapril at first so it does not make you feel dizzy. This will usually be increased gradually until you reach the right dose for you.

Your child will usually be started on a low dose of enalapril. This dose may gradually increase depending on your child's blood pressure and other symptoms.

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried about side effects with enalapril.

How to take it

You'll usually take enalapril once or twice a day.

Your doctor may advise you to take your first dose before bedtime, because it can make you dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take enalapril at any time of day. Try to take it at the same time every day.

If you take enalapril twice a day, try to take it once in the morning and once in the evening. Leave 10 to 12 hours between doses if you can.

You can take enalapril with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink.

How long to take it for

Usually, treatment with enalapril is long term and you may have to take it for the rest of your life.

If you get ill while taking it

Contact your doctor if you get ill with symptoms including:

• a high temperature
• sweats and shaking
• severe diarrhoea or vomiting

Your doctor may recommend you stop taking enalapril until you are better and eating and drinking normally.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of enalapril, leave out that dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for the forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

An overdose of enalapril can cause dizziness, sleepiness and a pounding heartbeat.

The amount of enalapril that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the enalapril packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Stopping enalapril

Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking enalapril.

Stopping it may cause your blood pressure to rise and this may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medicine.