Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are a group of medicines that are mainly used to treat certain heart and kidney conditions; however, they may be used in the management of other conditions such as migraine and scleroderma.
They block the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels and releases hormones such as aldosterone and norepinephrine, by inhibiting an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme. Angiotensin II, aldosterone, and norepinephrine all increase blood pressure and urine production by the kidneys. If levels of these three substances decrease in the body, this allows blood vessels to relax and dilate (widen), reducing both blood and kidney pressure. ACE inhibitors also increase the production of bradykinin, another substance that makes blood vessels dilate.
ACE inhibitors may be used for the treatment of the following conditions:
They may also be used for other conditions not listed here.
ACE inhibitors all work in the same way; by inhibiting the action of the angiotensin converting enzyme.
However, there are differences in their effectiveness at reducing blood pressure, their side effect profile, and their ability to prevent people from dying from a heart-related or other cause.
| Generic name | Examples of brand names |
|---|---|
| benazepril | Lotensin |
| captopril | Generic |
| enalapril | Epaned, Vasotec |
| fosinopril | Generic |
| lisinopril | Prinivil, Zestril |
| moexipril | Generic |
| perindopril | Generic |
| quinapril | Accupril |
| ramipril | Altace |
| trandolapril | Generic |
When taken at the recommended dosage, ACE inhibitors are considered safe. However, they have been associated with several serious adverse effects including:
Some of the more commonly reported side effects with ACE inhibitors include:
ACE inhibitors may be less effective at lowering blood pressure in patients of African-American descent compared to those without this ethnicity.
For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the individual drug monographs.
ACE inhibitors can also interact with several other medications (including NSAIDs and lithium). Consult your prescribing doctor before taking any other medications including those brought over the counter.
Data Source:drugs.com
The combination of amlodipine and benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure. Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Benazepril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
The combination of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Captopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack in patients a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart). Captopril is also used to treat kidney disease (nephropathy) caused by diabetes in patients with type 1 diabetes and retinopathy (eye disease). Captopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Enalapril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Enalapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
The combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Enalapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
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Fosinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Fosinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
The combination of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Moexipril is used to treat high blood pressure. Moexipril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Perindopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Perindopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It makes blood flow more smoothly by preventing the production of certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
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Quinapril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Quinapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
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Ramipril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these problems and to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. Ramipril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Trandolapril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. Trandolapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
