Enalaprilat: Difference between revisions

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'''Enalaprilat''' is the active metabolite of [[enalapril]], a medication primarily used in the treatment of [[hypertension]] (high blood pressure) and some types of [[congestive heart failure]]. Enalaprilat itself is distinguished from enalapril by its direct administration in an intravenous form, making it a potent [[angiotensin-converting enzyme]] (ACE) inhibitor. This article provides an overview of enalaprilat, including its pharmacology, therapeutic uses, and administration.
== Enalaprilat ==


==Pharmacology==
[[File:Enalaprilat_structure.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Enalaprilat]]
Enalaprilat works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is a key enzyme in the [[renin-angiotensin system]] (RAS). The RAS regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. By blocking ACE, enalaprilat prevents the conversion of [[angiotensin I]] to [[angiotensin II]], a potent vasoconstrictor. This leads to vasodilation, reduced blood volume, and ultimately, a decrease in blood pressure. Unlike enalapril, which is a prodrug and needs to be metabolized by the liver to become active, enalaprilat is active in its own right and can be used in patients with liver impairment.


==Therapeutic Uses==
'''Enalaprilat''' is an [[angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor]] (ACE inhibitor) used primarily in the treatment of [[hypertension]] and [[congestive heart failure]]. It is the active metabolite of the prodrug [[enalapril]]. Enalaprilat is administered intravenously, which makes it suitable for patients who cannot take oral medications.
Enalaprilat is primarily used in the acute management of hypertension when oral therapy is not feasible. Its intravenous administration allows for rapid onset of action, which is crucial in emergency situations. Additionally, it may be used in hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure to improve symptoms and increase survival rates. However, its use is generally limited to specific cases due to the need for intravenous administration.


==Administration==
== Pharmacology ==
Enalaprilat is administered intravenously, usually in a hospital setting where blood pressure can be closely monitored. The dosage and rate of administration depend on the severity of the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication. Careful monitoring is essential to avoid overly rapid reduction of blood pressure, which can lead to adverse effects such as dizziness or renal impairment.


==Side Effects==
Enalaprilat works by inhibiting the [[angiotensin-converting enzyme]], which is responsible for the conversion of [[angiotensin I]] to [[angiotensin II]]. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, and its inhibition leads to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and decreased workload on the heart. This mechanism is beneficial in managing conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.
The side effects of enalaprilat are similar to those of other ACE inhibitors and may include cough, hypotension (low blood pressure), fatigue, dizziness, and renal impairment. Because of its potent blood pressure-lowering effects, it is important to monitor patients for signs of hypotension, especially during the initial stages of treatment.


==Conclusion==
== Clinical Use ==
Enalaprilat plays a vital role in the management of certain cardiovascular conditions, particularly when rapid control of blood pressure is required. Its mechanism of action, through the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, makes it an effective tool in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. However, due to its mode of administration and potential side effects, its use is typically reserved for specific clinical scenarios.
 
Enalaprilat is used in situations where rapid blood pressure control is necessary, such as in [[hypertensive emergencies]]. It is also used in patients who are unable to take oral medications due to conditions like [[vomiting]] or [[gastrointestinal obstruction]].
 
=== Administration ===
 
Enalaprilat is administered intravenously, typically in a hospital setting. The dosage and frequency depend on the patient's condition and response to the medication. It is important to monitor blood pressure and renal function during treatment.
 
== Side Effects ==
 
Common side effects of enalaprilat include [[hypotension]], [[dizziness]], and [[renal impairment]]. Less common but serious side effects can include [[angioedema]] and [[hyperkalemia]]. Patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor use should not receive enalaprilat.
 
== Contraindications ==
 
Enalaprilat is contraindicated in patients with a history of [[angioedema]] related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy, and in patients with [[bilateral renal artery stenosis]]. It should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Enalapril]]
* [[Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor]]
* [[Hypertension]]
* [[Congestive heart failure]]


[[Category:ACE inhibitors]]
[[Category:ACE inhibitors]]
[[Category:Antihypertensive drugs]]
[[Category:Antihypertensive agents]]
 
{{pharmacology-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:06, 15 February 2025

Enalaprilat[edit]

Chemical structure of Enalaprilat

Enalaprilat is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) used primarily in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. It is the active metabolite of the prodrug enalapril. Enalaprilat is administered intravenously, which makes it suitable for patients who cannot take oral medications.

Pharmacology[edit]

Enalaprilat works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, and its inhibition leads to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and decreased workload on the heart. This mechanism is beneficial in managing conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.

Clinical Use[edit]

Enalaprilat is used in situations where rapid blood pressure control is necessary, such as in hypertensive emergencies. It is also used in patients who are unable to take oral medications due to conditions like vomiting or gastrointestinal obstruction.

Administration[edit]

Enalaprilat is administered intravenously, typically in a hospital setting. The dosage and frequency depend on the patient's condition and response to the medication. It is important to monitor blood pressure and renal function during treatment.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of enalaprilat include hypotension, dizziness, and renal impairment. Less common but serious side effects can include angioedema and hyperkalemia. Patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor use should not receive enalaprilat.

Contraindications[edit]

Enalaprilat is contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy, and in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis. It should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.

Related Pages[edit]