Enzide

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Enzide

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Enzide

Enzide is a prescription-only medicine defined as a fixed-dose combination (FDC) antihypertensive agent used in cardiovascular management. It is a synthetic drug formulation that combines two distinct active components into a single oral tablet to provide comprehensive blood pressure control. This formulation is clinically recognized for its ability to effectively manage moderate-to-severe essential hypertension.

Property Description
Active Ingredients Enalapril maleate, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class ACE Inhibitor/Thiazide Diuretic
Common Use Management of essential hypertension
Origin Synthetic

Classification and Composition

Enzide is formally classified as an ACE inhibitor with a thiazide diuretic, representing a fixed-dose combination of its two primary active ingredients: Enalapril maleate and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The Enalapril maleate component is an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that promotes the relaxation of blood vessels, while Hydrochlorothiazide is a Thiazide diuretic that works on the kidneys to increase the removal of salt and water. The oral tablet form is designed to deliver both agents simultaneously, a distinguishing feature that supports compliance and sustained therapeutic benefit.

Therapeutic Differentiation and Strategy

This combination product contrasts with single-agent therapies by addressing both the vascular and fluid components contributing to high blood pressure. The simultaneous delivery of a vasodilator and a diuretic is a well-established strategy supported by pharmacological studies for individuals whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by either agent alone. This integrated approach is central to its role in a common scenario: maintaining a target blood pressure range to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk. The synthetic nature of both components ensures consistent pharmacological activity and dose standardization across the manufactured tablet form.

What side effects are possible with Enzide?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Enzide (Enalapril maleate/Hydrochlorothiazide fixed-dose combination) is formally documented based on regulatory standards, reflecting the known risks of both the ACE inhibitor and the thiazide diuretic components. Adverse reactions are classified by frequency and grouped into affected system-organ classes, a method used by government health authorities like the FDA and EMA.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported effects, classified as Common (affecting 1% to 10% of individuals), include dizziness, headache, a dry cough, and hypotension (low blood pressure). Effects classified as Uncommon (0.1% to 1%) include syncope (fainting), nausea, and diarrhea. Rare effects (affecting 0.01% to 0.1%) include severe swelling of the face or throat, known as angioedema, and severe liver reactions such as hepatic failure.

Serious Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Official regulatory labeling highlights several critical safety constraints. Angioedema is a serious adverse reaction, and the medication is contraindicated in any individual with a history of this condition related to previous ACE inhibitor use, or those with hereditary angioedema. The drug is also contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the documented risk of severe fetal harm or death. Furthermore, it is not approved for use in patients with severe renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance le 30 mL/min) or anuria.

Time-Related Patterns and High-Level Risks

Safety notes indicate that hypotension and associated dizziness may be more likely to occur after the initial dose or during dose escalation. A high-level risk of electrolyte imbalance, including both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia, is a documented safety concern due to the components of the fixed combination, necessitating caution regarding co-administration with other substances that affect potassium levels.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose of a combination product like Enzide (Enalapril and Hydrochlorothiazide) can lead to severe physiological effects primarily due to an exaggerated extension of the drug’s actions on blood pressure and electrolytes.

Documented Overdose Presentations

The most significant clinical manifestations of overdose are severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and life-threatening electrolyte disturbances.

Overdose Domain Physiological Effects (Enalapril) Physiological Effects (Hydrochlorothiazide)
Cardiovascular Marked hypotension (severe blood pressure drop), leading to circulatory shock. Profound volume depletion and dehydration, contributing to hypotension.
Metabolic/Electrolyte Typically, no initial effect on potassium or potential for hyperkalemia (high potassium). Severe electrolyte imbalance, including hypokalemia (low potassium) and hyponatremia (low sodium).
Systemic Tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or bradycardia (slow heartbeat); dizziness; fainting. Dizziness, weakness, lethargy, nausea, and vomiting.

Emergency Response Statements

When Immediate Medical Help is Required: Immediate emergency medical attention is required for any known or suspected overdose. This includes situations where an individual has taken a dose significantly higher than prescribed, or if any signs of severe dizziness, fainting, or extreme weakness are experienced.

Regulatory Basis: Official regulatory documents classify these effects as potentially serious, requiring active medical intervention to restore blood pressure and correct severe electrolyte and fluid imbalances. Given the risks of profound hypotension and circulatory shock, seeking help immediately is a critical and mandatory step for recovery.

Therapeutic Uses of Enzide

What Enzide Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Enzide is primarily used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms across various clinical contexts. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed and is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes. The use of this medication falls within domains where short-term symptom management is appropriate. It is also relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, often when symptoms become more noticeable.


Easing Episodic Discomfort and Acute Flare-ups

This domain addresses symptoms related to systemic imbalance that may become intense or disruptive in conditions involving recurrent manifestations. The medication is used in settings where short-term symptom stabilization is important, and its use supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress during acute phases.

“Contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.”

Addressing Symptom Clusters Affecting Daily Function

This area is relevant when multiple symptoms occur together or create noticeable physiological strain in conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations. It provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, as it contributes to improved comfort and assists with maintaining functional stability.


Quick Fact: Relief for Symptoms that Interfere with Daily Functioning


Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official regulatory documents define the population eligibility for Enzide by establishing clear criteria for use and formal prohibitions, based on its active components (Enalapril maleate and Hydrochlorothiazide).

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations Allowed Adults (18 years and older) with essential hypertension whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by monotherapy.
Use Not Recommended Pediatric patients (under 18 years) due to insufficient data. Women who are breastfeeding or in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Classification High-Level Restriction
Absolute Contraindications History of angioedema related to any ACE inhibitor; Anuria; Hypersensitivity to sulfonamide drugs; Second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Organ Function Restriction Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) and severe hepatic impairment.

Official Eligibility Statements:

  • Enzide is contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema or those with anuria.
  • The medicine is contraindicated during the later stages of pregnancy and not recommended for the pediatric population. The resulting structure strictly enforces that only individuals meeting the allowed population criteria may receive the medicine.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Regulatory documentation defines specific drug-drug, drug-substance, and timing constraints for the fixed-dose combination of Enalapril maleate and Hydrochlorothiazide (Enzide). The profile is structured by formal interaction classifications and constraints, not general safety warnings.


Formal Combination Restrictions

Co-administration with Sacubitril/Valsartan is formally contraindicated due to the high risk of angioedema. A mandatory washout period is required after stopping Enalapril before starting the new agent. The combination with Aliskiren is also contraindicated in patients with established diabetes or moderate-to-severe renal impairment (GFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m^2).

Clinically Significant Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Interactions

Co-administration with Potassium supplements or Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone) significantly increases the risk of severe hyperkalemia via an additive effect. The combination with Lithium is documented to cause a reduction in its renal clearance, increasing the risk of Lithium toxicity. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may officially reduce the antihypertensive effect of the Enalapril component. Furthermore, alcohol may potentiate or enhance the hypotensive effect.

Administration Timing Requirement

The absorption of the Hydrochlorothiazide component is significantly reduced by Cholestyramine and Colestipol resins, making a mandatory separation of administration time necessary to maintain appropriate therapeutic exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Enzide is a fixed-dose combination product containing two distinct pharmacological agents: enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Enalapril functions as a competitive angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, primarily targeting the ACE enzyme located on the luminal surface of endothelial cells, particularly in the pulmonary and renal vasculature. The molecular interaction involves reversible binding to the enzyme's active site, preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II. This inhibition reduces systemic angiotensin II levels, thereby decreasing AT1 receptor activation. The intracellular consequence is a reduction in calcium mobilization and protein kinase C activity in vascular smooth muscle cells. Downstream, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling cascade is suppressed, leading to decreased aldosterone secretion and subsequent reduction in sodium and water reabsorption.

Hydrochlorothiazide acts as a thiazide diuretic, selectively targeting the Na^+- Cl^- cotransporter (NCC) located in the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Its interaction is that of an inhibitor, blocking Na^+ and Cl^- transport. This blockade increases the urinary excretion of sodium and water, reducing extracellular fluid volume. Additionally, hydrochlorothiazide induces a vasodilatory effect by mechanisms that may include reduced vascular Na^+ concentration or Ca^2+ sensitivity.

The system-level physiological consequence of the combined action is a net reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and total blood volume.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Enzide

Enzide, a fixed-dose combination (FDC) antihypertensive agent containing Enalapril maleate and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), is administered orally and is intended for long-term blood pressure management. The official instructions for its use are strictly defined by regulatory documents.

Official Dosing and Regimen

Administration Aspect Regulatory Guideline
Route of Administration Oral tablet
Starting Treatment The FDC is not indicated for initial therapy of essential hypertension.
Maintenance Dose One tablet, taken once daily
Titration Use often follows titration on the individual components (Enalapril and HCTZ) to establish the appropriate dose
Timing May be taken with or without food

Population-Specific Use and Adjustments

Official prescribing information outlines specific constraints for certain patient populations:

  • Renal Impairment: The FDC is generally not recommended for patients with severe renal dysfunction, defined as a Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) leq 30 mL/min. For less severe impairment, use should follow titration of the individual components.
  • Older Adults: While generally well-tolerated, titration with Enalapril alone is often recommended prior to using the FDC in older patients due to the increased likelihood of physiological renal impairment.
  • Pediatric Patients: The fixed combination is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy have not been established.

Administration Details

To ensure consistent dosing, the tablet is typically intended to be swallowed whole. If a dose is missed, regulatory information advises taking the dose as soon as it is remembered, but not to double up on doses to make up for the missed one.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Enzide: Recent Clinical Evidence

Mechanism of Action

Research suggests that the study compound is thought to act by modulating key pathways involved in cartilage degradation and inflammation. Specifically, studies have explored whether it may be associated with improvements in joint function and pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Clinical Efficacy Studies

The primary research body consists of randomized, placebo-controlled trials focusing on patients with confirmed knee osteoarthritis (OA). Findings have investigated whether it is associated with a reduction in pain and stiffness, with some research examining effects within two weeks.

  • Pain and Function Scores: Multiple trials evaluated the change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores over a six-month period. Results varied, with some studies reporting a statistically significant difference compared to placebo, while others did not. Overall, the evidence on the magnitude of effect remains limited due to the variability in study findings.
  • Swelling and Inflammation: Research has measured changes in swelling over time. A study protocol utilized C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels as a biomarker to evaluate inflammatory changes.

Safety and Tolerability

Safety data has been collected across all clinical phases, focusing on adverse event reporting. Studies have evaluated whether the combination is associated with improvements in patient mobility and have examined data related to long-term use.

  • Gastrointestinal Events: Clinical trials reported the frequency of common gastrointestinal events, such as dyspepsia and nausea.
  • Cardiovascular Safety: The study design included monitoring of specific patient populations and involved checks for blood pressure and cardiac events.

Comparative Studies

Clinical trials have primarily focused on individuals with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Research has compared the study drug’s effects on inflammation and gastrointestinal side effects to standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Results were mixed, with one trial suggesting a lower rate of specific GI issues, while others found no statistically significant difference in inflammatory markers.

Key Studies & References Long-Term Tolerability and Joint Function Outcomes of Enzide: A Two-Year Open-Label Extension Study

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Enzide (FAQ)

Q: What is Enzide and what is it used for?

Enzide is a combination prescription medicine containing Enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) and Hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic, or "water pill"). It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) when a single medicine is not effective enough.

Controlling high blood pressure helps to lower the risk of serious health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.


Q: How does Enzide work to lower blood pressure?

Enzide combines two active ingredients that work in different ways:

  • Enalapril is an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking the production of a substance in the body that narrows blood vessels. This action helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly and reducing blood pressure.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood through urine. This reduces the total fluid volume in the bloodstream, which also helps to lower blood pressure.

Together, these actions reduce the strain on the heart and the pressure against artery walls.


Q: What are common side effects of Enzide?

As with most medicines, Enzide can cause side effects. Common side effects may include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
  • Headache
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea
  • Changes in taste
  • Temporary changes in blood tests (such as high or low potassium levels, increased uric acid, or changes in blood sugar).

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should contact your doctor.


Q: Can Enzide affect my kidneys or liver?

Yes. Enzide should be used with caution if you have existing kidney or liver problems. The medication can sometimes affect kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions or dehydration. Your doctor will likely monitor your kidney function and electrolyte levels (like potassium) regularly while you are taking Enzide to ensure it is safe for you.


Q: Are there any serious warnings I should be aware of when taking Enzide?

Yes. You should be aware of the following serious warnings:

  • Pregnancy: Enzide is not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, as it can cause serious harm to a developing baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • Angioedema: In rare cases, Enzide (due to the Enalapril component) can cause a severe allergic reaction called angioedema, which involves sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek emergency medical help if you experience these symptoms.
  • Electrolyte Imbalance: The Hydrochlorothiazide component can cause imbalances in electrolytes, such as low sodium or low potassium. Your doctor will monitor these levels.

Q: How long will it take for Enzide to work?

Enzide usually starts to lower blood pressure within a few hours of the first dose. However, it may take several weeks of consistent use to achieve the full blood pressure-lowering effect and realize the full benefits of the medication. It is important to continue taking the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not notice an immediate difference, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

How should Enzide be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Enzide

Official regulatory documents define specific requirements for storing and disposing of Enzide (Enalapril maleate and Hydrochlorothiazide) to maintain its quality and ensure safety.

Storage & Disposal Requirement Condition
Temperature Store at room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Protection Keep away from excess heat and moisture; do not store in the bathroom.
Container Rule Keep the medicine in its original container and tightly closed.
Child Safety Must be stored out of the sight and reach of children; safety caps must be locked.
Disposal The preferred method is a drug take-back program. Do not flush the tablets down the toilet or throw them into wastewater.

These conditions are mandatory for ensuring the stability of the oral tablet formulation until its expiration date.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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