Alphapril

Generic Name: Enalapril maleate
Product Name: Alphapril

Indication

Alphapril is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction.

Action

One of the ways Alphapril works to help lower blood pressure and treat heart failure is that it widens blood vessels. This means that blood is able to pass through them more easily and the heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to move blood around the body. This also means that when you place extra demands on your heart, such as during exercise, the heart may cope better so you may not get short of breath as easily.Alphapril belongs to a group of drugs called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors.

Dose advice

Alphapril may be taken with or without food.

Essential hypertension:

With a diuretic, or in the elderly: initially 2.5 mg. Without a diuretic: initially 5 mg once daily. Usual maintenance dose is 10-40 mg daily in single or 2 divided doses.

Renovascular hypertension:Initially less than or equal to 5 mg; usual maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily.

Congestive heart failure (with diuretic):Initially, less than or equal to 2.5mg. Usual maintenance is 10-20 mg as a single or divided dose.

LV dysfunction:Initially the recommended dose is 2.5 mg twice daily. The usual maintenance dose is 10 mg twice daily.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Rash
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• cough
• Nausea

Uncommon side effects

Cardiovascular: Myocardial infarction (poor blood perfusion of the heart muscle) stroke, Fainting, Palpitations, Chest pain, Abnormal heart rhythm, Angina, Raynaud’s Phenomenon.

Digestive system: Reduced bowel motility, Inflammation of the pancreas or liver, Abdominal pain, jaundice, Vomiting, Heartburn, constipation, Anorexia, Mouth ulcers.

Central nervous system: Depression, confusion, Insomnia or sleepiness, Nervousness, Abnormal sensation, Vertigo, Abnormal dreams.

Kidneys: Renal failure, Reduced urine production.

Respiratory system: Asthma, Shortness of breath, Runny nose and/or sore throat, Hoarse voice.

Other: Inflammation of the blood vessels, Muscular cramps, Impotence, Itch, Sensitivity to sunlight, Hair loss, Flushing, Altered taste, Tinnitus, Blurred vision.

For further information talk to your doctor.