Overview
DESCRIPTION Enalapril Maleate is the maleate salt of enalapril, the ethyl ester of a long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalaprilat. Enalapril maleate is chemically described as (S)-1-[ N -[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl]-L-proline, (Z) -2-butenedioate salt (1:1).
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Enalapril, after hydrolysis to enalaprilat, inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in human subjects and animals. ACE is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor substance, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. The beneficial effects of enalapril in hypertension and heart failure appear to result primarily from suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Inhibition of ACE results in decreased plasma angiotensin II, which leads to decreased vasopressor activity and to decreased aldosterone secretion. Although the latter decrease is small, it results in small increases of serum potassium.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hypertension Enalapril maleate is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Enalapril maleate is effective alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, especially thiazide-type diuretics. The blood pressure lowering effects of enalapril maleate and thiazides are approximately additive. Heart Failure Enalapril maleate is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic congestive heart failure, usually in combination with diuretics and digitalis.
Common Doses
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 40 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hypertension In patients who are currently being treated with a diuretic, symptomatic hypotension occasionally may occur following the initial dose of enalapril maleate. The diuretic should, if possible, be discontinued for two to three days before beginning therapy with enalapril maleate to reduce the likelihood of hypotension (see WARNINGS, Hypotension ). If the patient's blood pressure is not controlled with enalapril maleate alone, diuretic therapy may be resumed. If the diuretic cannot be discontinued an initial dose of 2.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue enalapril maleate as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. (See WARNINGS: Fetal Toxicity .)
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Enalapril maleate is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this product and in patients with a history of angioedema related to previous treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and in patients with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema. Do not coadminister aliskiren with enalapril maleate in patients with diabetes (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions ). Enalapril maleate is contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin inhibitor (e.g., sacubitril).
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Enalapril maleate has been evaluated for safety in more than 10,000 patients, including over 1000 patients treated for one year or more. Enalapril maleate has been found to be generally well tolerated in controlled clinical trials involving 2987 patients. For the most part, adverse experiences were mild and transient in nature. In clinical trials, discontinuation of therapy due to clinical adverse experiences was required in 3.3 percent of patients with hypertension and in 5.7 percent of patients with heart failure.
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Neprilysin Inhibitors Patients taking concomitant neprilysin inhibitors may be at increased risk for angioedema (see WARNINGS ). Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Most patients receiving the combination of two RAS inhibitors do not obtain any additional benefit compared to monotherapy.