ACE Inhibitors are a commonly available and widely prescribed class of anti-high blood pressure medicine. Some ACE Inhibitors are also prescribed to patients
- After a heart attack (lisinopril, captopril, ramipril)
- To treat congestive heart failure (varies)
- For kidney problems in diabetic patients (captopril)
ACE Inhibitors work in the lungs by blocking the conversion of a specific protein from its inactive to its active form. This protein, in its active form, can cause constriction of small blood vessels, called arterioles, and exhert various other effects which can raise blood pressure. By blocking the formation of this active protein, blood pressure is lowered over time.
Many different ACE Inhibitors are currently available. Though these drugs have different names, they are all the same type of drug, and they work in an identical way. ACE Inhibitors all end in -pril. Some commonly prescribed ACE Inhibitors include:
- Captopril
- Lisinopril
- Enalapril
- Benzapril
All medicines carry some risk of side effects. While side effects with ACE Inhibitors are generally mild, if you are taking an ACE Inhibitor and experience any side effects, notify your doctor. Some reported side effects include:
- Dry, persistent cough*
- Headache
- Fever and Chills
- Trouble Swallowing
- Upset Stomach
*Cough is a relatively common side effect from ACE Inhibitors. While this side effect is usually not a sign of a serious medical problem, you should report it to your doctor.
Stay up to date with my free high blood pressure newsletter
Sign up Now
