Definition
Enalapril is a drug used in patients with high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) and heart failure (cardiac insufficiency). The active ingredient “Enalapril” is contained in the following products: Benalapril, Corvo, EnaHEXAL, Enalapril-ratiopharm, Juxtaxan and Xanef.
Mode of action
Enalapril must first be converted into its active form enalaprilate by enzymes in the liver. Enalapril is therefore referred to as an “inactive prodrug”, as the effect is only made possible by liver enzymes after an alcohol group has been split off. The activated form of enalapril, enalaprilate, then inhibits a specific body enzyme, which plays an important role in blood pressure regulation.
The angiotensin-convertig enzyme (ACE) is inhibited and can therefore produce less angiotensin II: On the one hand, this leads to a dilatation of the blood vessels with the consequence that blood pressure drops. In addition, the lower angiotensin II level leads to a reduced release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. This, in turn, also lowers blood pressure by altering kidney function (less sodium and thus less water is retained in the body).
In addition to enalapril, the following drugs have a similar effect, which is why they are grouped together under the name ACE inhibitors: Benazepril, Captopril, Cilazapril, Fosinopril, Lisinopril, Moexipril, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril.
- On the one hand, this leads to a dilatation of the blood vessels with the consequence that the blood pressure drops.
- In addition, the lower angiotensin II level leads to a reduced release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. This, in turn, also lowers blood pressure by altering kidney function (less sodium and thus less water is retained in the body).
Application areas
Enalapril and other ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure. They are often combined with other antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics (which lead to increased excretion of water via the kidneys). Enalapril is also used to treat heart failure (cardiac insufficiency).
Here it serves to reduce the work of the heart. Here too, the ACE inhibitor enalapril is often combined with other drugs. At what time of day and in what dose enalapril must be taken depends on the underlying disease.
In patients with heart failure, it is recommended that the dose of enalapril be slowly increased over several weeks. The maximum daily dose is 40mg.
- Enalapril and other ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure.
They are often combined with other antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics (which lead to increased excretion of water via the kidneys).
- Enalapril is also used to treat heart failure (weakness of the heart). Here it serves to reduce the work of the heart. Here too, the ACE inhibitor enalapril is often combined with other drugs.
