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• An ACE inhibitor is a class of drugs that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is used by the body to trigger the enlargement of blood vessels. Doctors often prescribe a drug of this class as first-line treatment for hypertension and heart failure, as well as a number of other conditions, such as strokes and kidney dysfunction resulting from diabetes.Geriatric Times: Understanding the Biology of ACE Inhibitors WebMD: ACE Inhibitors for high blood pressure

  Often another drug, such as an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a diuretic, must be taken in combination with an ACE inhibitor to achieve blood pressure goals. In fact, a number of combined drugs (i.e., an ACE inhibitor along with one or more additional drugs in a single pill) are suggested in some modern research, such as beta-blockers or statins.Ingenta Connect: Challenges for the Prevention of Primary and Secondary Stroke

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
  2. Typically taken orallyMedicineNet: Examples of ACE Inhibitors
  3. Can cause birth defectsNew England Journal of Medicine: Major congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors
  4. Provoke the body to reduce blood pressureMedicineNet: How ACE Inhibitors work
  5. Can interact with NSAIDS, antacids, lithium, etc.WebMD: ACE Inhibitors for high blood pressure
  6. Can cause a rare but fatal condition, angioedemaMayo Clinic: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  7. Can also cause reduced white cell counts or allergic reactionsMedicineNet: How ACE Inhibitors work

• Examples

  • Benazepril
  • Enalapril
  • Lisinopril
  • Ramipril

• Uses

  • Diabetes
  • Migraine
  • High blood pressure
  • Scleroderma
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Heart attack

• Side Effects

  • Hypotension
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Renal impairment

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking an ACE Inhibitor.

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) | Hypertension | Heart Failure | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes | Heart Attack | Muscular Dystrophy | Metabolic Syndrome | Heart Disease | Protein in Urine | Hypertension Treatment

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