Enalapril

Enalapril is an oral prodrug converted in the body to enalaprilat, which inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme and lowers blood pressure and cardiac workload.

Enalaprilat: Enalaprilat is the active metabolite of enalapril and inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme. This active form produces enalapril’s main pharmacological effect.
Hypertension: Hypertension is persistently elevated arterial blood pressure that increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Enalapril is prescribed to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Losartan: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for hypertension and other cardiovascular and kidney conditions. It blocks angiotensin II receptors without inhibiting bradykinin breakdown.
ACE inhibitor cough: ACE inhibitor cough is a persistent, usually dry cough associated with inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Accumulated bradykinin and related peptides can trigger cough during enalapril treatment.
Prodrug: A prodrug is a compound converted within the body into a pharmacologically active substance. Enalapril requires metabolic conversion before it becomes enalaprilat.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme: Angiotensin-converting enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and breaks down bradykinin. Enalaprilat inhibits this enzyme, reducing angiotensin II formation.
Heart failure: Heart failure is a clinical syndrome in which the heart cannot meet the body’s needs without elevated filling pressures. Enalapril can reduce cardiac workload and improve outcomes in many people with heart failure.
Captopril: Captopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure. Unlike enalapril, captopril is active as administered and is usually taken more frequently.
Angioedema: Angioedema is sudden swelling beneath the skin or mucous membranes that can threaten the airway. Enalapril can rarely cause bradykinin-associated angioedema, requiring urgent discontinuation and care.
Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetics describes how a body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates a drug. Its absorption and conversion shape enalapril’s dosing and duration of action.

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