With arterial hypertension, ACE inhibitors are often used. They effectively and smoothly reduce blood pressure. This group of drugs includes Renipril. Instructions for use recommend taking this remedy not only for hypertension, but also for chronic heart failure. Also, the drug helps to reduce the load on the myocardium in case of dysfunction of the left ventricle.
Composition and effect of the drug
The active component of the drug is enalapril maleate. The substance inhibits the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This prevents vasoconstriction. As a result, blood pressure decreases. In addition, enalapril stimulates the formation of kinins and prostacyclin, which leads to vasodilation and creates an additional antihypertensive effect. This reduces the burden on the heart and improves blood circulation.
Enalapril slightly reduces the activity of the hormone aldosterone, and therefore has a small diuretic effect.
The drug is produced in the form of white tablets. Each of them contains 10 or 20 mg of the active component. They also include additional ingredients: povidone, sugar, starch and calcium stearate. These substances contribute to better absorption of the drug.
The drug "Renipril GT" is also produced. It contains not only enalapril maleate, but also the diuretic substance hydrochlorothiazide. The antihypertensive effect of this drug is stronger than that of the usual "Renipril." However, it is not recommended for heart failure.
Tablets lower blood pressure approximately 1 hour after consumption. The cost of the drug is from 70 to 160 rubles. Their action lasts about one day. However, in order to maintain blood pressure in a stable state, you need to take this medicine for at least 2 to 4 weeks.
To achieve the desired effect in chronic heart failure, you need to regularly take pills for at least 6 months.
Indications
The instruction of the Renipril tablets reports that this drug is indicated for arterial hypertension of any etiology. The medicine is also prescribed for patients with chronic heart failure. In this case, it is used as part of complex therapy. For prophylactic purposes, tablets are recommended for patients with impaired left ventricular function.
How many tablets to take and at what pressure? Instructions for use "Renipril" does not indicate specific indicators of blood pressure, in which it is necessary to remove hypertension with the help of the drug. This medication is used in the treatment of various degrees of hypertension. The dosage of the drug is determined by the attending physician depending on the severity of the symptoms of hypertension.
Contraindications
These pressure pills may not be suitable for all patients. Instructions for use "Renipril" prohibits the use of the drug in the following diseases and conditions of the body:
- The medicine is contraindicated in case of an allergic reaction to any of its components. If the patient has an increased sensitivity to sulfa drugs, then Renipril should also not be taken.
- The drug is not prescribed for severe impaired renal and hepatic function.
- If in the past the patient had a kidney transplant, then the use of these pills against pressure is prohibited.
- The medication is contraindicated in case of excessive production of the adrenal hormone - aldosterone.
- Severe blood disease - porphyria is also an absolute contraindication.
- The drug is not used to treat children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.
- During pregnancy and lactation, taking this medicine is prohibited.
In some cases, the drug for pressure should be taken in a reduced dosage under the constant supervision of a doctor. Caution is necessary in the following pathologies and conditions:
- diseases of the adrenal glands;
- hyperkalemia
- leukemia;
- renal artery stenosis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- autoimmune diseases;
- impaired blood formation;
- cerebrovascular disease of the brain;
- the elderly patient (over 65 years old).
In addition, caution must be observed if the patient takes diuretics from the group of saluretics and immunosuppressants at the same time as Renipril.
Unwanted effects
Most patients tolerate this drug well. However, the instruction "Renipril" warns of the possibility of the following undesirable effects:
- dry cough;
- tachycardia (while taking diuretics);
- dizziness with a change in body position;
- dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation);
- violations of the liver and pancreas;
- allergic reactions (skin itching, Quincke's edema);
- anxiety
- sleep disturbances;
- deviations from the norm in a clinical blood test;
- photosensitization;
- violations of water-electrolyte metabolism;
- decreased libido;
- impotence;
- tides;
- baldness.
The dosage of the drug recommended by the doctor should be carefully observed. Exceeding the prescribed number of tablets can lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure and arrhythmia. In case of an overdose, it is urgent to rinse the stomach, give the patient an enterosorbent and call a doctor. The treatment of arterial hypotension is carried out by introducing a solution of sodium chloride.
How to take pills
Instructions for the use of tablets "Renipril" reports that this drug can be taken both before meals and after. The dosage of the medicine is selected by the doctor individually, depending on the severity of the symptoms of hypertension and blood pressure indicators. Hypertension treatment begins with 1 tablet (10 mg) per day. The maximum daily prescribed is not more than 80 mg of the drug.
If heart failure is being treated, then at the beginning of therapy, 2.5 mg of the drug is prescribed per day. Then the dose is increased to 10-20 mg per day.
special instructions
Instructions for use "Renipril" warns about the inadmissibility of alcohol during treatment. Ethanol enhances the action of ACE inhibitors. Joint administration of a medicine for pressure and alcohol can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, up to a collapse.
During treatment, it is better to refrain from driving a car and performing complex work. This recommendation is due to the fact that in the first days of therapy, the drug may cause dizziness due to a decrease in blood pressure.
Interaction with other medicines
Instructions for use of "Renipril" reports that this drug is able to interact with other drugs. Particular care must be taken when taking tablets together from pressure with the following drugs:
- Analgesics, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic drugs, as well as "Eufillin". These drugs reduce the effect of the drug on pressure.
- Anesthetics, diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Perhaps a sharp drop in blood pressure and arrhythmia when taken together.
- Drugs with lithium. Their elimination from the body slows down when used together with "Renipril".
- Sulfonamides. The risk of developing allergies increases.
- Immunosuppressants and cytostatics. These medicines increase the toxicity of the drug.
Storage, price and analogues
Tablets should be stored at a temperature of no more than +25 degrees. They are usable for 4 years. The price of the drug in pharmacy chains is from 25 to 130 rubles.
You can choose the structural analogues of the drug. which contain the same active substance. These include:
- Enalapril;
- Enap;
- Burlipril;
- "Normalpress";
- Renetek.
Which drug is more effective: Enalapril or Renipril? This question is often asked by patients. The active component of these two drugs is exactly the same. They differ only in the manufacturer and some additional ingredients. The price of Enalapril is from 10 to 200 rubles.
Drug Reviews
You can find many positive reviews about the “Renipril”. Patients report that this medicine is mild. It lowers the pressure smoothly, without sharp fluctuations. In this case, the medicine does not cause a sleeping state, it can be taken during the working day.
However, some patients had a dry cough after taking Renipril. Instructions for use and reviews report such an undesirable effect. Usually this phenomenon passes on its own over time.
Patients also report dizziness and weakness after taking the drug. Such symptoms are associated with a decrease in blood pressure and disappear as the body adapts to the drug. If undesirable manifestations persist for a long time, then it is necessary to consult a doctor about reducing the dosage and replacing the drug.