Enalapril Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.

Applies to enalapril: oral solution, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; solution; powder for solution)

Discontinue enalapril maleate as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected, since fetal toxicity, including injury and death to the developing fetus, can be caused by drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system.

Serious side effects of enalapril

Along with its needed effects, enalapril may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking enalapril:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• cough producing mucus
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• fainting
• fever or chills
• nausea
• sneezing
• sore throat
• tightness in the chest
• vomiting

Other side effects of enalapril

Some side effects of enalapril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• dizziness

Less common side effects

• lack or loss of strength
• rash

For healthcare professionals

Applies to enalapril: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral liquid, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects included congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, cough, dizziness, postural dizziness, fatigue, headache, hypotension, hypertension, hyperkalemia, microalbuminuria, and vomiting.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Angina pectoris, chest pain, edema, hypotension, myocardial infarction, orthostatic hypotension, rhythm disturbances, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing, palpitation, Raynaud's phenomenon
• Frequency not reported: Atrial tachycardia, atrial bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, vasculitis

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, angioedema, diaphoresis, erythema multiforme, hyperhidrosis, pemphigus, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Erythroderma, exfoliative dermatitis
• Frequency not reported: Dermatologic manifestations, erythema with vasculitis, photosensitivity, severe skin reactions

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, dry mouth, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, gastric irritation, ileus, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, stomatitis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Aphthous ulceration, glossitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Intestinal angioedema
• Frequency not reported: Melena

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Impotence

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, aplastic anemia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, hemolysis, lymphadenopathy, neutropenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatic failure, hepatitis either hepatocellular or cholestatic, jaundice
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hepatitis including necrosis, increased liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin, cholestasis
• Frequency not reported: Fulminant hepatic necrosis

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Angioneurotic edema, angioneurotic edema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Photosensitivity, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, intestinal angioedema

Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema may be fatal.

Immunologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Autoimmune diseases

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle cramps
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgias or arthritis and myalgias or myositis, flank pain

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, postural dizziness, syncope, taste alteration, vertigo
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cerebrovascular accident, insomnia, paresthesia, somnolence, tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Anosmia, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy (dysesthesia)

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Blurred vision
• Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis, dry eyes, tearing

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, orthostatic effects
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fever, increased blood urea nitrogen, malaise
• Frequency not reported: Death, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, herpes zoster, positive ANA (Antinuclear antibody), serositis

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusion, dream abnormality, nervousness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Sleep disorders

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased serum creatinine and potassium, microalbuminuria, urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Oliguria, proteinuria, renal failure, renal dysfunction

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, dyspnea, pneumonia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma, bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltrates, rhinorrhea, sore throat and hoarseness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic alveolitis, eosinophilic pneumonitis, rhinitis
• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary embolism and infarction, pulmonary edema, upper respiratory infection

Frequently asked questions

• Do ACE inhibitors make COVID-19 worse?

Further information

Enalapril side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer