Enalapril
Enalapril is a blood pressure medicine (ACE inhibitor) found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Envas 5, Envas 2.5, Envas 10. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Lowers blood pressure and helps in heart failure.
How it works
An ACE inhibitor that stops the body making angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels. Used for high blood pressure and heart failure.
How to take it
Usually 5 to 20 mg once or twice a day. The first dose may be taken at bedtime to avoid dizziness.
Common side effects
- Dry tickly cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Raised potassium
Get medical help straight away if
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema, can happen even after years)
- Fainting
- Much less urine
Be careful
Can cause dry cough; not in pregnancy.
Other medicines and interactions
Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ARB or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.
Brands of Enalapril (3)
Common questions
What is Enalapril used for?
Lowers blood pressure and helps in heart failure.
How does Enalapril work?
An ACE inhibitor that stops the body making angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels. Used for high blood pressure and heart failure.
How should I take Enalapril?
Usually 5 to 20 mg once or twice a day. The first dose may be taken at bedtime to avoid dizziness.
What are the side effects of Enalapril?
Common: Dry tickly cough, dizziness, headache, raised potassium. Get help straight away for: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema, can happen even after years), fainting, much less urine.
Does Enalapril interact with other medicines?
Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ARB or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.
Is Enalapril safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.
Does Enalapril need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Enalapril?
Envas 10, Envas 2.5, Envas 5.
Sources and further reading
- Enalapril: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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