Side effects
Overall, ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, are well tolerated by most patients.
- The most frequently observed side effect is a dry cough. It can also cause hoarseness, irritation of the throat and rarely asthma attacks.
- In addition, skin reactions occur more frequently: Reddening of the skin, hives and even angioedema (life-threatening clinical picture due to a sudden swelling of the skin and mucous membrane, which can also affect the respiratory tract).
- Too much lowering of blood pressure can lead to dizziness, nausea, headaches and drowsiness.
- Very rarely, kidney dysfunction occurs.
- Taking enalapril can lead to increased potassium and decreased sodium levels.
Contraindications
Enalapril must not be taken
- During pregnancy and lactation
- In case of a narrowed aortic valve (aortic stenosis) or narrowed renal arteries (renal artery stenosis)
- For limited kidney function
- For hereditary angioedema
- In case of elevated aldosterone levels due to overproduction in the adrenal cortex (Conn syndrome)
