Enalapril Maleate Tablets 5mg
Out of date information, search anotherSUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Enalapril Maleate Tablets 5mg
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains 5mg of enalapril maleate For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablets.
Circular, flat, white 8 mm tablets scored on both sides and without markings.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
• Arterial Hypertension
• Cardiac insufficiency (heart failure) as an adjunctive therapy with nonpotassium sparing diuretics and, where appropriate, digitalis.
• Prevention of symptomatic heart insufficiency by asymptomatic patients with reduced function of the left ventricle (left ventricular ejection fraction. LVEF < 35%). Evidence of systolic left ventricular dysfunction should be obtained by appropriate diagnostic techniques prior to initiation of preventative treatment.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Posology
The absorption of Enalapril tablets is not affected by food.
The dose should be individualized according to patient profile (see section 4.4 )and blood pressure response.
Hypertension
The initial dose is 5 to maximally 20 mg, depending on the degree of hypertension and the
condition of the patient (see below). Enalapril is given once daily. In mild hypertension, the
recommended initial dose is 5 to 10 mg. Patients with a strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g. renovascular hypertension, salt and/or volume depletion, cardiac decompensation, or severe hypertension) may experience an excessive blood pressure fall following the initial dose.
A starting dose of 5 mg or lower is recommended in such patients and the initiation of treatment should take place under medical supervision. Patients at high risk for severe acute hypotension should be monitored medically, preferably in hospital.
Prior treatment with high dose diuretics may result in volume depletion and a risk of hypotension
when initiating therapy with enalapril. A starting dose of 5 mg or lower is recommended in such
patients. If possible, diuretic therapy should be discontinued for 2-3 days prior to initiation of
therapy with Enalapril. Renal function and serum potassium should be monitored.
The usual maintenance dose is 20 mg daily. The maximum maintenance dose is 40 mg daily.
After the first dose as well as whenever increasing the dosage of Enalapril Maleate and/or a loop diuretic, these patients will have to be monitored medically for at least 8 hours to avoid an uncontrolled hypotensive response. This also applies to patients with angina pectoris or cerebrovascular disease in whom excessive hypotension could result in a myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident.
Patients with malignant hypertension and those with severe cardiac insufficiency should be titrated on Enalapril Maleate in a hospital setting.
Heart Failure/Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction
In the management of symptomatic heart failure, Enalapril is used in addition
to diuretics and,
where appropriate, digitalis or beta-blockers. The initial dose of Enalapril in patients with
symptomatic heart failure or asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction is 2.5 mg, and it should be
administered under close medical supervision to determine the initial effect on the blood pressure.
In the absence of, or after effective management of, symptomatic hypotension following initiation
of therapy with Enalapril in heart failure, the dose should be increased gradually to the usual
maintenance dose of 20 mg, given in a single dose or two divided doses, as tolerated by the
patient. This dose titration is recommended to be performed over a 2 to 4 week period. The
maximum dose is 40 mg daily given in two divided doses.
Suggested Dosage Titration of Enalapril in Patients with Heart
|
Failure/Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction: | |
|
Week |
Dose mg/day |
|
Week 1 |
Days 1 to 3: 2.5 mg/day* in a single dose |
|
Days 4 to 7: 5 mg/day in two divided do: | |
|
Week 2 |
10 mg/day in a single dose or in two divi |
|
Weeks 3 and 4 |
20 mg/day in a single dose or in two divi |
*Special precautions should be followed in patients with impaired renal function or taking diuretics (See section 4.4).
Blood pressure and renal function should be monitored closely both before and after starting
treatment with Enalapril (see section 4.4) because hypotension and (more rarely) consequent
renal failure have been reported. In patients treated with diuretics, the dose should be reduced if
possible before beginning treatment with Enalapril. The appearance of hypotension after the
initial dose of Enalapril does not imply that hypotension will recur during chronic therapy with
Enalapril and does not preclude continued use of the drug. Serum potassium
and renal function
also should be monitored.
Dosage in Renal Insufficiency
Generally, the intervals between the administration of Enalapril should be prolonged and/or the dosage reduced.
|
Creatinine Clearance (CrCL) mL/min |
Initial Dose mg/day |
|
30<CrCL<80 ml/min. |
5 -10 mg |
|
10<CrCL<30 ml/min. |
2.5 mg |
|
CrCL<10 ml/min. |
2.5 mg on dialysis days* |
* See section 4.4 .
Enalaprilat is dialysable. Dosage on nondialysis days should be adjusted depending on the blood pressure response.
Use in Elderly
The dose should be in line with the renal function of the elderly patient (see section 4.4).
Paediatric populations
There is limited clinical trial experience of the use of Enalapril in hypertensive pediatric patients (see sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2).
For patients who can swallow tablets, the dose should be individualized according to patient profile and blood pressure response. The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg in patients 20 to <50 kg and 5 mg in patients >50 kg. Enalapril is given once daily. The dosage should be adjusted according to the needs of the patient to a maximum of 20 mg daily in patients 20 to <50 kg and 40 mg in patients >50 kg. (See section 4.4.)
Enalapril is not recommended in neonates and in pediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2, as no data are available.
Method of administration
Enalapril Maleate can be taken independently of meals, but should be taken with a sufficient amount of liquid. The daily dose is usually taken as a single dose in the morning may also be taken in two divided doses, morning and evening.
4.3 Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or other ACE inhibitors or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• In patients with a history of angioneurotic oedema or angioneurotic oedema prior to ACE inhibitor therapy or hereditary/idiopathic angioneurotic oedema.
• Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).
• The concomitant use of Enalapril with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2) (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended (see sections 4.5 and 5.1). If dual blockade therapy is considered absolutely necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure.
ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Symptomatic Hypotension
Symptomatic hypotension is rarely seen in uncomplicated hypertensive patients. In hypertensive patients receiving Enalapril, symptomatic hypotension is more likely to occur if the patient has been volume - depleted, e.g., by diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhea or vomiting (see sections 4.5 and 4.8). In patients with heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, symptomatic hypotension has been observed. This is most likely to occur in those patients with more severe degrees of heart failure, as reflected by the use of high doses of loop diuretics, hyponatremia or functional renal impairment. In these patients, therapy should be started under medical supervision and the patients should be followed closely whenever the dose of Enalapril and/or diuretic is adjusted. Similar considerations may apply to patients with ischemic heart or cerebrovascular disease in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in a myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident.
If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the supine position and, if necessary, should receive an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further doses, which can be given usually without difficulty once the blood pressure has increased after volume expansion.
In some patients with heart failure who have normal or low blood pressure, additional lowering of systemic blood pressure may occur with Enalapril. This effect is anticipated, and usually is not a reason to discontinue treatment. If hypotension becomes symptomatic, a reduction of dose and/or discontinuation of the diuretic and/or Enalapril may be necessary.
Aortic or Mitral Valve Stenosis/Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy As with all vasodilators, ACE inhibitors should be given with caution in patients with left
ventricular valvular and outflow tract obstruction and avoided in cases of cardiogenic shock and hemodynamically significant obstruction.
Renal Function Impairment
In cases of renal impairment (creatinine clearance <80 ml/min) the initial enalapril dosage should
be adjusted according to the patient’s creatinine clearance (see section 4.2) and then as a function
of the patient’s response to treatment. Routine monitoring of potassium and creatinine are part of
normal medical practice for these patients.
Renal failure has been reported in association with enalapril and has been mainly in patients with
severe heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis. If recognized
promptly and treated appropriately, renal failure when associated with therapy with enalapril is usually reversible.
Some hypertensive patients, with no apparent pre-existing renal disease have developed increases
in blood urea and creatinine when enalapril has been given concurrently with a diuretic. Dosage
reduction of enalapril and/or discontinuation of the diuretic may be required. This situation should raise the possibility of underlying renal artery stenosis (see section 4.4, Renovascular hypertension).
Renovascular hypertension
There is an increased risk of hypotension and renal insufficiency when patients with bilateral
renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a single functioning kidney are treated with
ACE inhibitors. Loss of renal function may occur with only mild changes in serum creatinine. In
these patients, therapy should be initiated under close medical supervision
with low doses, careful
titration, and monitoring of renal function.
Kidney Transplantation.
There is no experience regarding the administration of Enalapril Maleate in patients with a recent kidney transplantation. Treatment with Enalapril is therefore not recommended.
Hepatic failure
Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice
or hepatitis and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and (sometimes) death. The mechanism
of this syndrome is not understood. Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or
marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive
appropriate medical follow-up.
Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis
Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and anemia have been reported in patients
receiving ACE inhibitors. In patients with normal renal function and no other complicating factors, neutropenia occurs rarely. Enalapril should be used with extreme caution in patients with
collagen vascular disease, immunosuppressant therapy, treatment with allopurinol or
procainamide, or a combination of these complicating factors, especially if there is pre-existing
impaired renal function. Some of these patients developed serious infections which in a few
instances did not respond to intensive antibiotic therapy. If Enalapril is used in such patients,
periodic monitoring of white blood cell counts is advised and patients should
be instructed to
report any sign of infection.
Hypersensitivity/Angioneurotic Oedema
Angioneurotic edema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported
in patients treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, including Enalapril. This may
occur at any time during treatment. In such cases, Enalapril should be discontinued promptly and appropriate monitoring should be instituted to ensure complete resolution of symptoms prior to dismissing the patient. Even in those instances where swelling of only the tongue is involved, without respiratory distress, patients may require prolonged observation since treatment with
antihistamines and corticosteroids may not be sufficient.
Very rarely, fatalities have been reported due to angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema or
tongue edema. Patients with involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx are likely to experience
airway obstruction, especially those with a history of airway surgery. Where there is involvement
of the tongue, glottis or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, which may include subcutaneous epinephrine solution 1:1000 (0.3 ml to 0.5 ml) and/or measures to ensure a patent airway, should be administered promptly.
Black patients receiving ACE inhibitors have been reported to have a higher incidence of angioedema compared to non-blacks.
Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk
of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor. (Also see section 4.3.)
Anaphylactoid Reactions during Hymenoptera Desensitization Rarely, patients receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitization with hymenoptera venom have
experienced life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions were avoided by
temporarily withholding ACE-inhibitor therapy prior to each desensitization. Anaphylactoid Reactions during LDL Apheresis
Rarely, patients receiving ACE inhibitors during low density lipoprotein (LDL)-apheresis with
dextran sulfate have experienced life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions were
avoided by temporarily withholding ACE-inhibitor therapy prior to each apheresis.
Haemodialysis Patients
Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients dialyzed with high-flux membranes (e.g.,
AN 69®) and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. In these patients consideration should
be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or a different class of
antihypertensive
agent.
Hypoglycaemia
Diabetic patients treated with oral antidiabetic agents or insulin starting an ACE inhibitor, should
be told to closely monitor for hypoglycaemia, especially during the first month of combined use.
(See section 4.5.)
Cough
Cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. Characteristically, the cough is
nonproductive, persistent and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor-induced
cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.
Surgery/Anaesthesia
In patients undergoing major surgery or during anesthesia with agents that produce hypotension,
enalapril blocks angiotensin II formation secondary to compensatory renin release. If hypotension
occurs and is considered to be due to this mechanism, it can be corrected by volume expansion..
Hyperkalaemia
Elevations in serum potassium have been observed in some patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including Enalapril. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia include those with renal insufficiency, worsening of renal function, age (> 70 years), diabetes mellitus, intercurrent events, in particular dehydration, acute cardiac decompensation, metabolic acidosis and concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes; or those patients taking other drugs associated with increases in serum potassium (e.g. heparin).
The use of potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium-containing salt substitutes particularly in patients with impaired renal function may lead to a significant increase in serum potassium.
Hyperkalemia can cause serious, sometimes fatal arrhythmias. If concomitant use of Enalapril and any of the above-mentioned agents is deemed appropriate, they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium. (See section 4.5)
Lithium
The combination of lithium and Enalapril is generally not recommended (see section 4.5).
Lactose
Enalapril contains lactose and therefore should not be used by patients with rare hereditary
problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose
malabsorption. Enalapril contains less than 200 mg of lactose per tablet. Elderly Patients
A greater response may occur in elderly patients than in younger patients. Patients aged 65 or older are recommended to start therapy on an initial dose of 2.5mg of Enalapril Maleate, and to have blood pressure and/or representative laboratory parameters monitored in the initial phase of therapy.
Paediatric population
There is limited efficacy and safety experience in hypertensive children >6 years old, but no
experience in other indications. Limited pharmacokinetic data are available in children above 2 months of age. (Also see sections 4.2, 5.1, and 5.2.) Enalapril is not recommended in children in other indications than hypertension. Enalapril is not recommended in neonates and in pediatric patients with glomerular filtration
rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2, as no data are available. (See section 4.2.)
Pregnancy and Lactation
ACE inhibitors should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).
Use of Enalapril is not recommended during breast feeding (see sections 4.6 and 5.2).
Ethnic differences
As with other angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Enalapril is apparently less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non-blacks, possibly because of a higher
prevalence of low-renin states in the black hypertensive population.
Primary Hyperaldosteronism
Patients with primary hyperaldosteronism do not generally respond to antihypertensives whose effect is based on renin-angiotensin system inhibition. Enalapril Maleate, therefore, is not recommended.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The following interactions have been described for Enalapril Maleate or other ACE inhibitors used concurrently with:
Potassium sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
ACE inhibitors attenuate diuretic induced potassium loss. Potassium sparing
diuretics (e.g.
spironolactone, eplerenone, triamterene or amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassiumcontaining
salt substitutes may lead to significant increases in serum potassium. If concomitant
use is indicated because of demonstrated hypokalemia they should be used with caution and with
frequent monitoring of serum potassium (see section 4.4).
Diuretics (thiazide or loop diuretics)
Prior treatment with high dose diuretics may result in volume depletion and a risk of hypotension
when initiating therapy with enalapril (see section 4.4). The hypotensive effects can be reduced
by discontinuation of the diuretic, by increasing volume or salt intake or by initiating therapy with a low dose of enalapril.
Other antihypertensive agents
Concomitant use of these agents may increase the hypotensive effects of enalapril. Concomitant
use with nitroglycerine and other nitrates, or other vasodilators, may further
reduce blood
pressure.
Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1).
Lithium
Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during
concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors. Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics
may further increase lithium levels and enhance the risk of lithium toxicity with ACE inhibitors.
Use of enalapril with lithium is not recommended, but if the combination proves necessary,
careful monitoring of serum lithium levels should be performed (see section
4.4) .
Tricyclic antidepressants/Antipsychotics/Anesthetics/Narcotics Concomitant use of certain anesthetic medicinal products, tricyclic antidepressants and
antipsychotics with ACE inhibitors may result in further reduction of blood pressure (see section
4.4) .
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Chronic administration of NSAIDs may reduce the antihypertensive effect of an ACE inhibitor.
NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors) and ACE inhibitors exert an additive effect on the increase
in serum potassium, and may result in a deterioration of renal function. These effects are usually
reversible. Rarely, acute renal failure may occur, especially in patients with compromised renal
function (such as the elderly or patients who are volume-depleted, including those on diuretic
therapy). Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring
renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy, and periodically thereafter.
Gold
Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have
been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and
concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy including enalapril.
Sympathomimetics
Sympathomimetics may reduce the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors. Antidiabetics
Epidemiological studies have suggested that concomitant administration of ACE inhibitors and
antidiabetic medicines (insulins, oral hypoglycemic agents) may cause an increased bloodglucoselowering effect with risk of hypoglycemia. This phenomenon appeared to be more likely
to occur during the first weeks of combined treatment and in patients with renal impairment.
(See sections 4.4 and 4.8)
Alcohol
ACE inhibitors increase the effect of alcohol. Alcohol enhances the hypotensive effects of ACE inhibitors.
Acetyl salicylic acid, thrombolytics and B-blockers
Enalapril can be safely administered concomitantly with acetyl salicylic acid (at cardiologic
doses), thrombolytics and B-blockers.
Sodium Chloride.
A high dietary sodium intake may reduce the blood pressure lowering and heart failure symptom improving effects of enalapril.
Allopurinol, cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, immunosuppressive agents, systemic corticosteroids, and procainamide.
Increased risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis (see section 4.4).
Antacids
Induce decreased bioavailability of ACE inhibitors.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
The use of ACE inhibitors is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4). The use of ACE inhibitors is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.
Exposure to ACE inhibitor therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human foetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia) (see section 5.3.)
Maternal oligohydramnios, presumably representing decreased fetal renal function, has occurred and may result in limb contractures, craniofacial deformations and hypoplastic lung development.
Should exposure to ACE inhibitor have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.
Infants whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
Breastfeeding
Limited pharmacokinetic data demonstrate very low concentrations in breast milk (see section 5.2). Although these concentrations seem to be clinically irrelevant, the use of Enalapril in breastfeeding is not recommended for preterm infants and for the first few weeks after delivery, because of the hypothetical risk of cardiovascular and renal effects and because there is not enough clinical experience.
In the case of an older infant, the use of Enalapril in a breast-feeding mother may be considered if this treatment is necessary for the mother and the child is observed for any adverse effect.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
When driving vehicles or operating machines it should be taken into account that occasionally dizziness or weariness may occur.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Enalapril Maleate or other ACE inhibitors have been associated with the following side effects:
Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); rare
(>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders:
uncommon: anemia (including aplastic and haemolytic)
rare: neutropenia, decreases in haemoglobin, decreases in haematocrit,
thrombocytopenia,
agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy, autoimmune diseases
Endocrine disorders:
not known: syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: uncommon: hypoglycaemia (see section 4.4)
Nervous system and psychiatric disorders: common: headache, depression
uncommon: confusion, somnolence, insomnia, nervousness, paraesthesia, vertigo
rare: dream abnormality, sleep disorders, disorders of balance Eye disorders:
very common: blurred vision
Cardiac and vascular disorders: very common: dizziness
common: hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension), syncope, chest pain, rhythm
disturbances, angina pectoris, tachycardia
uncommon: orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular
accident*, possibly secondary to excessive hypotension in high risk patients
(see section 4.4)
rare: Raynaud’s phenomenon
not known: transient ischaemic attacks (TIA’s), stroke.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: very common: cough common: dyspnea
uncommon: rhinorrhea, sore throat and hoarseness, bronchospasm/asthma rare: pulmonary infiltrates, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergic alveolitis/eosinophilic pneumonia not known: bronchitis
Gastrointestinal disorders: very common: nausea,
common: diarrhoea, abdominal pain, taste alteration
uncommon: ileus, pancreatitis, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, anorexia,
gastric irritations,
dry mouth, peptic ulcer
rare: stomatitis/aphthous ulcerations, glossitis
very rare: intestinal angioedema
Hepatobiliary disorders:
rare: hepatic failure, hepatitis - either hepatocellular or cholestatic, hepatitis including necrosis, cholestasis (including jaundice)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
common: rash, hypersensitivity/angioneurotic oedema: angioneurotic oedema of the face,
extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported (see section
4.4)
uncommon: diaphoresis, pruritus, urticaria, alopecia
rare: erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal
necrolysis, pemphigus, erythroderma
A symptom complex has been reported which may include some or all of the following: fever,
serositis, vasculitis, myalgia/myositis, arthralgia/arthritis, a positive ANA, elevated ESR,
eosinophilia, and leukocytosis. Rash, photosensitivity or other dermatologic
manifestations may
occur.
not known: allergic skin reactions such as exanthea, onycholysis, psoriasis skin changes
Renal and urinary disorders:
uncommon: renal dysfunction, renal failure, proteinuria rare: oliguria
Reproductive system and breast disorders: uncommon: impotence rare: gynecomastia
General disorders and administration site conditions: very common: asthenia common: fatigue
uncommon: muscle cramps, flushing, tinnitus, malaise, fever Investigations:
common: hyperkalaemia, increases in serum creatinine
uncommon: increases in blood urea, hyponatraemia
rare: elevations of liver enzymes, elevations of serum bilirubin
* Incidence rates were comparable to those in the placebo and active control
groups in the clinical
trials.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
Limited data are available for overdosage in humans. The most prominent features of overdosage reported to date are marked hypotension, beginning some six hours after ingestion of tablets, concomitant with blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, and stupor. Symptoms associated with overdosage of ACE inhibitors may include circulatory shock, electrolyte disturbances, renal failure, hyperventilation, tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, dizziness, anxiety, and cough.
Serum Enalaprilat levels 100- and 200-fold higher than usually seen after therapeutic doses have been reported after ingestion of 300 mg and 440 mg of Enalapril, respectively.
The recommended treatment of overdosage is intravenous infusion of normal saline solution. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the shock position. If available, treatment with angiotensin II infusion and/or intravenous catecholamines may also be considered. If ingestion is recent, take measures aimed at eliminating enalapril maleate (e.g., emesis, gastric lavage, administration of absorbents, and sodium sulphate). Enalaprilat may be removed from the general circulation by hemodialysis. (See section 4.4.) Pacemaker therapy is indicated for therapy-resistant bradycardia. Vital signs, serum electrolytes and creatinine concentrations should be monitored continuously.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Enalapril Maleate is hydrolysed in the liver to enalaprilat, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE is a peptidyl dipeptidase which catalyses the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II.
ACE inhibition reduces the synthesis of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II in tissue and plasma, thus reducing the secretion of aldosterone. This may produce an increase in serum potassium concentrations. Elimination of angiotensin II negative feedback to renin secretion results in increased plasma renin activity.
As ACE also breaks down the vasodepressor peptide bradykinin, ACE inhibition results in an increased activity of circulating and local kallikrenin-kinin systems (thus activating the prostagladin system). This mechanism may play a part in the antihypertensive activity of ACE inhibitors as well as in various side effects of these drugs.
While the mechanism through which enalapril lowers blood pressure is believed to be primarily suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure, enalapril is antihypertensive even in patients with low-renin hypertension.
Two large randomised, controlled trials (ONTARGET (ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial) and VA NEPHRON-D (The Veterans Affairs Nephropathy in Diabetes)) have examined the use of the combination of an ACE-inhibitor with an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
ONTARGET was a study conducted in patients with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by evidence of end-organ damage. VA NEPHRON-D was a study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. These studies have shown no significant beneficial effect on renal and/or cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, while an increased risk of hyperkalaemia, acute kidney injury and/or hypotension as compared to monotherapy was observed. Given their similar pharmacodynamic properties, these results are also relevant for other ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should therefore not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
ALTITUDE (Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Endpoints) was a study designed to test the benefit of adding aliskiren to a standard therapy of an ACE-inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or both. The study was terminated early because of an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Cardiovascular death and stroke were both numerically more frequent in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group and adverse events and serious adverse events of interest (hyperkalaemia, hypotension and renal dysfunction) were more frequently reported in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Oral enalapril is rapidly absorbed, with peak serum concentrations of enalapril occurring within one hour. The extent of absorption of Enalapril Maleate is approximately 50-70%, and is not influenced by concurrent food intake. Enalapril Maleate is a pro-drug and is converted to the active form -enalaprilat - in the liver. The extent of absorption and hydrolysis of enalapril are similar for the various doses in the recommended therapeutic range. The time to peak enalaprilat plasma concentration is 3-4h after oral administration [of Enalapril Maleate]. Plasma protein binding is 50-60%. Except for conversion to enalaprilat, there is no evidence for significant metabolism of enalapril.
Enalaprilat is mainly eliminated renally. The principal components in urine are enalaprilat, accounting for about 40% of the dose, and intact enalapril. The accumulation half-life (=effective half-life) of enalaprilat following multiple doses of Enalapril Maleate is 11h. The elimination half-life if enalaprilat is 35h. In subjects with normal renal function, steady state serum concentrations of enalaprilat were achieved by the 4th day of administration of Enalapril Maleate.
Enalaprilat is dialysable. Heamodialysis reduces the enalaprilat plasma concentration by approximately 46%. Enalaprilat can also be removed from plasma by peritoneal dialysis. Enalapril crosses the placental barrier.
Lactation: After a single 20mg oral dose in five postpartum women, the average peak enalapril milk level was 1.7pg/L (range 0.54 to 5.9pg/L) at 4 to 6 hours after the dose. The average peak enalaprilat level was 1.7pg/L (range 1.2 to 2.3pg/L); peaks occurred at various times over the 24-hour period. Using the peak milk level data, the estimated maximum intake of an exclusively breastfed infant would be about 0.16% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. A woman who had been taking oral enalapril 10mg daily for 11 months had peak enalapril milk levels of 2pg/L 4 hours after a dose and peak enalaprilat levels of 0.75pg/L about 9 hours after the dose. The total amount of enalapril and enalaprilat measured in milk during the 24 hour period was 1.44pg/L and 0.63pg/L of milk respectively. Enalaprilat milk levels were undetectable (<0.2pg/L) 4 hours after a single dose of enalapril 5 mg in one mother and 10mg in two mothers; enalapril levels were not determined.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Preclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential. Reproductive toxicity studies suggest that Enalapril does not have serious adverse effects on fertility and reproductive performance in rats, and is not teratogenic. It crosses the placenta and has been shown to be foetotoxic in rabbits during middle and late pregnancy (for effects in foetuses also see 4.6).
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
The tablets contain contains: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium hydrogen carbonate.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf life
24 months
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
Store in the original package (blister)
Keep the container tightly closed (PP container)
6.5 Nature and contents of container
PP container with desiccant and PE closure
10’s, 14’s, 20’s 28’s, 30’s, 49’s, 50’s, 60’s, 98’s, 100’s
Al/Al blisters in cardboard outer container
10’s, 14’s, 20’s 28’s, 30’s, 49’s, 50’s, 60’s, 98’s, 100’s
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
No special requirements
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Actavis UK Limited (Trading style: Actavis) Whiddon Valley BARNSTAPLE N Devon EX32 8NS
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 0142/0441
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 18.6.99
Renewal approval: 18.06.2004 + 26.06.2012
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
15/05/2015