Angiotensin Converter Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors – Mayo Clinic

Angiotensin transformative enzyme inhibitors, also called ACE inhibitors, are drugs that reduce blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in the body from making angiotens 2, which narrows the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are narrowed, the heart should work harder. This can increase blood pressure. Angiotensin 2 also releases hormones that increase blood pressure.

Examples of ACE inhibitors

There are many ACE inhibitor types. The best for you depends on many things, including your general health. For example, if you have chronic kidney disease, a ACE inhibitor can help.

Examples of ACE inhibitors are as follows:

• Benazepril (Lotensin).
• Kaptopril.
• ENALAPRİL (EPANED, VASOTEC).
• Fosinopril.
• Lisinopril (Qbrelis, Zestry).
• Moexipril.
• Perindopril.
• Quinapril.
• Ramipril (Altace).
• Tran.

When ACE inhibitors are used

ACE inhibitors are used to prevent, treat or heal symptoms in cases such as the following:

• High blood pressure is also called hypertension.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart failure.
• Diabetes.
• Some types of chronic kidney disease.
• Heart attack.
• Skleroderma is a disease that includes hardening of the skin and connective tissues.
• Migraine.

A ACE inhibitor is sometimes used with another blood pressure drug, such as diuretic or calcium channel blocker.

When not ACE inhibitors not used?

Do not take ACE inhibitors with any of the following medicines:

• Angiotensin receptor blockers, also called ARBS
• Angiotensin receptor neprilyin inhibitors.
• Direct renin inhibitors.

If you are pregnant, do not take an ACE inhibitor. Drugs are attributed to birth defects in infants. If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, give your healthcare professional about other options to treat high blood pressure.

Non -steroid anti -inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs, reduce how well ACE inhibitors work. NSAID samples are Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and Naproxen Sodium (Alevi).

Side effects

The possible side effects of ACE inhibitors are as follows:

• Dry cough.
• Too much potassium in the blood.
• Excessive fatigue or dizziness with blood pressure is very low.
• Headache.
• Loss of taste.
• Rarely, short -term deterioration of kidney function.

Rarely, ACE inhibitors can cause swelling under the skin. If there is swelling in the throat, life can be threatening.

If you have any questions about the drugs you take, talk to your healthcare professional.