Cardace tablet 5mg

About Cardace tablet 5mg

Cardace tablet 5mg Uses

• Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Managing chronic heart failure alongside other heart medicines
• Protecting the heart after a heart attack
• Slowing kidney damage in people with diabetes
• Preventing further heart problems in patients with reduced heart pumping function

Cardace tablet 5mg Benefits

• Lowers blood pressure steadily with once or twice daily dosing
• Reduces the workload on the heart, easing symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue
• Helps protect kidney function in people with diabetes and high blood pressure
• Lowers the long-term risk of stroke and heart attack
• Widely available and affordable compared to many newer blood pressure medicines

What Experts Say

Enalapril maleate is a prodrug that the liver converts into enalaprilat, its active form. Enalaprilat blocks the enzyme that changes angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Since angiotensin II narrows blood vessels and triggers aldosterone release, blocking it relaxes vessels, reduces fluid retention, and lowers blood pressure.

Clinical trials show enalapril lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure within one to two weeks of regular use. Landmark heart failure studies found it reduces hospital admissions and improves survival when added to standard treatment, making it one of the most studied ACE inhibitors in cardiovascular medicine.

Doctors typically start with a low dose and increase it gradually while monitoring blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels. This stepwise approach limits sudden blood pressure drops. Given how common hypertension and diabetes are together in Pakistan, prescribers often value enalapril for its added kidney protective effect.

Drug Class

• ACE inhibitor (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor)
• Antihypertensive agent
• Cardiovascular drug

Cardace tablet 5mg formula

• Enalapril Maleate 5mg

Available forms

• Tablet 5mg, strip of 10 tablets
• Box of 20 tablets (2x10s)

How to use Cardace tablet 5mg?

• Take Cardace tablet 5mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food
• Take it at the same time each day to keep blood levels steady
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose
• Your doctor may start with a low dose and increase it gradually based on your response
• Avoid excessive use of salt substitutes containing potassium while on this medicine

Drug Interactions

• Potassium sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: Combining these with Cardace tablet 5mg raises the risk of dangerously high blood potassium.
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac: Regular use can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Lithium: Enalapril can raise blood lithium levels, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
• Other blood pressure medicines and diuretics: Taking these together can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure.
• Aliskiren and other RAAS acting drugs: Combining with Cardace tablet 5mg, especially in diabetic patients, increases the risk of high potassium, low blood pressure, and kidney problems.

Risks and warnings

• Pregnancy risk: Enalapril can seriously harm an unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimester, so it should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
• Angioedema: Rare but serious swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat can occur and needs immediate medical attention.
• First dose hypotension: A noticeable drop in blood pressure can occur after the first dose, particularly in patients who are dehydrated or already on diuretics.
• Kidney function: Regular blood tests are advised to monitor kidney function, especially in patients with existing kidney disease or renal artery narrowing.
• High potassium levels: Enalapril can raise blood potassium, so caution is needed with potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
• Persistent dry cough: A dry, tickly cough is a well known side effect and may require switching to another medicine class if it becomes bothersome.
• Liver or kidney impairment: Dose adjustment may be needed for patients with significant liver or kidney disease.

Cardace tablet 5mg Side Effects

• Dry, persistent cough
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Headache
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Changes in taste sensation
• High blood potassium levels
• Skin rash
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which needs immediate medical help
• Reduced kidney function in susceptible patients

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack