enalapril maleate /enal″əpril/ , an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used as an oral antihypertensive drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of hypertension or heart failure or as a preventive for myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should be used with caution in patients suffering severe salt or fluid depletion or in combination with a potassium-sparing diuretic. ACE inhibitors should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are hyperkalemia, cough, hypotension, dizziness, and headache.
