Enalapril is a drug which is either used alone or in combination with other medications to treat hypertension. Enalapril is also used in combination with other medications in cases of heart failure.

Enalapril works in such cases by decreasing certain chemicals that are known to tighten blood vessels. This enables blood to flow more smoothly thereby aiding in the heart pumping blood more efficiently.

The initial development of enalapril is credited to researchers at Merck & Co. Although extensively available at retail as well as online pharmacies, it is always recommended that you take this medicine only in consultation with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy are not supposed to take this medicine without telling their doctor. Enalapril is known to cause certain birth defects in the baby if taken during pregnancy. Sometimes taking enalapril can result in heavy sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms in turn could lead to electrolyte disorders, low blood pressure or even kidney failure. This is the reason why doctors always recommend patients to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily while taking enalapril.

Those who are taking this medication should be careful while driving or doing anything that requires them to be alert since enalapril may impair reactions or thinking. The other side effects of enalapril include, cough, rash, weakness and dizziness. In certain rare cases serious side effects are also caused. These include, difficulty in breathing, yellowing of the eyes, fever, chills, lightheadedness, fainting and swelling of the face. These symptoms are uncommon and in case you were to experience any of them, you should call on your doctor immediately.