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NZ Formulary

Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide

en-al-ah-pril and hye-dro-klor-oh-thy-ah-zide

What does it do?

Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Enalapril relaxes blood vessels and hydrochlorothiazide reduces excess fluid in your body.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, gout, or if you have ever had angioedema (swollen lips, tongue, throat or face).
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide including:

  • anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).
  • potassium supplements (e.g. Span K®)
  • calcium supplements (e.g. Calci-Tab®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Swollen lips, tongue, throat or face

Tell your doctor immediately

Changes in heartbeat, muscle cramps or weakness

Confusion or drowsiness (may be signs of low sodium)

Short of breath

Changes in vision

Tell your doctor

Cough

More sensitive to sunlight (sunburn or rash)

Gout attack

Trouble getting or keeping an erection

Tell your doctor if troublesome

Symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or fainting

Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Protect yourself from too much sunlight while taking hydrochlorothiazide (it may increase your risk of skin cancer). Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.
  • You will need regular blood tests while taking enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide to check if it is causing problems with your kidneys or the amount of potassium in your blood.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed