| name: | Ace Inhibitors |
| also known as: | Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Captopril (Capoten); Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); Enalapril (Vasotec); Benazepril (Lotensin); Accupril (Quinapril); Lotrel; Ramipril (Altace), Angiotensin Inhibitors; Aldosterone Inhibitors |
| also see: | Alpha Blockers; Beta Blockers; Guanethidine; Diuretics; Vasodilators; Ace II Inhibitors; High Blood Pressure Medicine |
| description: | Ace inhibitors are drugs that inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme. The system is a very convoluted, complex system but, in a nutshell, here it is. Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is then converted, in the lungs (of all places), to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent arterial vasoconstrictor AND, it also stimulates the release of aldosterone. Aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water. ACE inhibitors, as opposed to ACE II inhibitors, inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors also cause the release of bradykinin which is an arterial vasodilator. The end result of ACE inhibitors is to decrease aldosterone, increase water and sodium loss in the kidneys, and dilate arteries, all of which drop the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors also seem to improve diabetic neuropathies and diabetic nephropathy. Lotrel is a combination of amlodipine and the Ace inhibitor benazepril. |
| signs & symptoms: | Side effects of ACE inhibitors include lightheadedness, dizziness, cough, potassium imbalance, protein in the urine called proteinuria, sudden drop in blood pressure when beginning treatment. High blood pressure can be divided into three stages: Stage 1 - Mild: Systolic BP 140-159 and/or Diastolic BP 90-99 Stage 2 - Moderate: Systolic BP 160-180 and/or Diastolic BP 100-110 Stage 3 - Severe: Systolic BP > 180 and/or Diastolic BP > 110 |
| treatment: | ACE inhibitors are given orally. Also see Rx captopril (capoten) Also see Rx enalapril (vasotec) Also see Rx enalapril IV (vasotec IV) Also see Rx captopril/hydrochlorothiazide (capozide) Also see Rx accupril (quinapril) Also see Rx ramipril (altace) Also see Rx enalapril/felodipine (lexxel) Also see Rx benazepril (lotensin) Also see Rx benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide (lotensin HCT) Also see Rx amlodipine/benazepril (lotrel) Also see Rx trandolapril (mavik) Also see Rx fosinopril (monopril) Also see Rx lisinopril (prinivil, zestril) Also see Rx hydrochlorothiazide/lisinopril (prinzide, zestoretic) Also see Rx trandolapril/verapamil (tarka) Also see Rx diltiazem/enalapril (teczem) Also see Rx moexipril (univasc) Also see Rx hydrochlorothiazide/moexipril (uniretic) Also see Rx enalapril/hydrochlorothiazide (vaseretic) Also see Rx hydrochlorothiazide/quinapril (accuretic) |
| prevention: | ACE inhibitors should not be given to women who are pregnant. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If you have questions, problems, or concerns regarding any medication |
| go to: | Go to the phone and ask your pharmacist or your doctor, or go to the doctor. |
Last updated 7/29/2009