Enalapril maleate tablets of two different producers were tested for bioequivalence. Enalapril is rapidly metabolized to an active metabolite, enalaprilat which inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The pharmacokinetics of enalapril maleate and the time course of inhibition of plasma ACE activity after administration of the drugs were studied. Two single doses of 10mg each of enalapril maleate were administered orally to twelve male volunteers in a balanced, randomized, two-way crossover investigation. Plasma enalaprilat concentrations were determined over a 23-hour after the dose by enzyme inhibition assay and enalapril by the same method following in vitro hydrolysis. Urinary recoveries of enalapril and enalaprilat were determined for the calculation of renal clearance. Plasma ACE activity was determined by an enzyme assay. Peak plasma levels of enalapril were observed about 1 hour after the doses, and practically all enalapril had disappeared from plasma within 6 hour. Peak enalapril concentrations of both formulations were almost identical (Vasotec??, 61.38 ng/ml; Beartec??, 64.27 ng/ml). The values of the pharmacokinetic parameters of enalaprilat computed for Vasotec?? and Beartec?? tablets are presented in that order; area under the curve=330.63:320.96 ng⋅hr/ml; peak concentration=38.63:39.43 ng/ml; time to peak=3.83:4.08 hour; elimination half-life=3.95:3.92 hours. No statistically significant difference was detected when area under the curve and all other parameters were compared. Using criteria of 95% confidence interval for the comparison of these parameters, only the upper limits of area under the curve and time to peak of enalapril were over 120%. All the parameters of enalaprilat were acceptable. Percent inhibition of plasma ACE to plasma enalaprilat concentration showed the sigmoid concentration-inhibition relationship. Time courses of plasma ACE inhibition after the administration of both formulations were quite similar. The formulations were found to be equivalent when compared on the premise that no significant difference was detected when pharmacokientic parameters and inhibition of ACE activity were compared, based on the confidence limits analysis. plasma ACE inhibition after the administration of both formulations were quite similar. The formulations were found to be equivalent when compared on the premise that no significant difference was detected when pharmacokientic parameters and inhibition of ACE activity were compared, based on the confidence limits analysis. plasma ACE inhibition after the administration of both formulations were quite similar. The formulations were found to be equivalent when compared on the premise that no significant difference was detected when pharmacokientic parameters and inhibition of ACE activity were compared, based on the confidence limits analysis.