Definition

1. Noun:
   • An ACE inhibitor medication: Enalapril is a pharmaceutical drug belonging to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by blocking the formation of a substance called angiotensin II in the body, leading to the relaxation and widening of blood vessels (vasodilation). This effect helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.

Usage

• Enalapril is primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It is also used to improve survival and manage symptoms after a heart attack.
• It is typically administered orally in tablet form.
• Common instructions include taking it at the same time each day, with or without food.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed enalapril to manage her hypertension.
  • After his myocardial infarction, he was started on a regimen that included enalapril.
  • The patient's heart failure symptoms improved significantly after beginning treatment with enalapril.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on enalapril": to be taking enalapril as part of a medical treatment plan.
  • She has been on enalapril for five years to control her blood pressure.
• "enalapril therapy": refers to the course of treatment using this medication.
  • The cardiologist initiated enalapril therapy immediately post-surgery.

Variants and Related Words

• Vasotec (n): A common brand/trade name for enalapril.
  • The prescription was written for Vasotec, which contains enalapril.
• ACE inhibitor (n): The class of drugs to which enalapril belongs. Other examples include lisinopril and ramipril.
  • Enalapril is a widely used ACE inhibitor.

Synonyms

• Antihypertensive agent: A substance that reduces high blood pressure.
• Vasodilator: A drug that causes widening of the blood vessels. (Note: Enalapril is an indirect vasodilator).

Related Terms (Medical Context)

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): The enzyme that enalapril inhibits.
• Angiotensin II: A hormone that constricts blood vessels; its formation is blocked by enalapril.
• Afterload reducer: A term describing one of enalapril's effects in heart failure, as it reduces the resistance the heart must pump against.

Noun

1. an ACE inhibitor (trade name Vasotec) that blocks the formation of angiotensin in the kidney and so results in vasodilation; administered after heart attacks