Generic Name

ENALAPRIL MALEATE
Trade Name
VASOTEC

Classification

Indications:
Oral

Contraindications:
Contraindicated
with pregnancy,
allergy to enalapril.

Treatment of
hypertension alone or in
com- bination with other
antihypertensives, especially thiazide-type
diuretics

Treatment of acute and

chronic heart failure

Treatment of
asymptomatic left
ventricular dysfunction
(LVD) Parenteral

ACE inhibitor
Antihypertensive

Use cautiously with

impaired renal
function; salt or
volume depletion
(hypotension may
occur); lactation.
Adverse Effects:
CNS: Headache,
dizziness, fatigue,
insomnia,
paresthesias

Therapeutic Actions:
Renin, synthesized by
the kidneys, is released
into the circulation
where it acts on a
plasma precursor to
produce angiotensin I,
which is converted by
ACE to angiotensin II, a
potent vasoconstrictor
that also causes release
of aldosterone from the
adrenals; both of these
actions increase BP.

SCHNIQUE GRANT

Nursing Implications:
Do not stop taking the
medication without
consulting your health
care provider.

Treatment of
hypertension when oral
therapy is not possible

Dosages and Route

PO
Tablets2.5, 5, 10, 20
mg; injection 1.25
mg/mL

CV: Syncope, chest

pain, palpitations,
hypo- tension in saltor volume-depleted
patients

GI: Gastric
irritation, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain,
dyspepsia, elevated
liver enzymes

GU: Proteinuria,
renal insufficiency,
renal failure,
polyuria, oliguria,
urinary frequency,

Be careful in any
situation that may lead
toa drop in blood
pressure (diarrhea,
sweating, vomiting,
dehydration).Avoid
over-the-counter
medications, especially
cough, cold, and allergy
medicationsthat may
interact with this drug.
You may experience
these side effects: GI upset, loss of appetite,
change in taste
perception (will pass
with time); mouth sores
(frequent mouth care
may help); rash; fast
heart rate; dizziness,
light-headedness
(usually passes in a few
days; change position
slowly, limit activities to
those not requiring
alertness and precision)
Use of contraception is
advised while taking this

Enalapril blocks the

conversion of
angiotensin It
angiotensin II,
decreasing BP,
decreasing aldosterone
secretion, slightly
increasing serum K+
levels, and causing Na+
and fluid loss; increased
prostaglandin synthesis
also may be involved in
the antihypertensive
action. In patients with
heart failure, peripheral
resistance, afterload,
preload, and heart size
are decreased.

impotence
Hematologic:
Decreased Hct and
Hgb

Other: Cough,
muscle cramps,
hyperhidrosis

Reference:
2012 Lipincotts Nursing Drug Guide
Amy M. Karch, RN, MS
Nursing Diagnosis Pocket Guide Second Edition
Sheila Sparks Ralph

SCHNIQUE GRANT

drug; fetal abnormalities

or death mayoccur.