NCIt definition : The anhydrous form of enalaprilat, a dicarbocyl-containing peptide and angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with antihypertensive activity. Enalaprilat competitively binds
to and inhibits ACE, thereby blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin
II. This prevents the potent vasoconstrictive actions of angiotensin II and results
in vasodilation. Enalaprilat also decreases angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion
by the adrenal cortex, which leads to an increase in sodium excretion and subsequently
increases water outflow.;