Enalapril
Tablet
Quick Summary
Enalapril relaxes blood vessels and reduces strain on the heart.
Medical Uses
How it's taken
Usually taken once or twice a day at the same times each day.
Keep taking it even if you feel well, and don't stop suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Dry cough
Common; tell your doctor if troublesome.
Dizziness
Especially at first.
Raised potassium
Checked by blood tests.
Interactions
Potassium supplements
Can raise potassium too much.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers
Such as ibuprofen can reduce the effect and affect the kidneys.
Lithium
Levels can rise.
Critical Warnings
Not in pregnancy
Black Box Warning: Can harm an unborn baby.
Swelling of face or throat
Black Box Warning: Angioedema: emergency.
Kidney checks
Regular blood tests.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Enalapril: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Enalapril: a medicine to treat high blood pressure(opens in a new tab) · NHS