Mayo Clinic. US: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help relax blood
vessels. ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in your body from producing
angiotensin II, a substance in your body that affects your
cardiovascular system by narrowing your blood vessels and releasing
hormones that can raise your blood pressure. This narrowing can cause
high blood pressure and force your heart to work harder.
Many ACE inhibitors are available. Which one is best for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of ACE inhibitors include:
- Benazepril (Lotensin)
- Captopril
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Fosinopril
- Lisinopril (Zestril)
- Moexipril (Univasc)
- Perindopril (Aceon)
- Quinapril (Accupril)
- Ramipril (Altace)
- Trandolapril (Mavik)
Uses for ACE inhibitors
Doctors prescribe ACE inhibitors to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Certain chronic kidney diseases
- Heart attacks
- Scleroderma
- Migraines
Your doctor may prescribe other medications in addition to an ACE
inhibitor, such as a diuretic or calcium channel blocker, as part of
your high blood pressure treatment. ACE inhibitors are usually taken
once daily, and many people take them in the morning.
Side effects and cautions
Doctors commonly prescribe ACE inhibitors because they don't often cause side effects.
Possible ACE inhibitor side effects include:
- Dry cough
- Increased blood-potassium level (hyperkalemia)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fainting
In rare cases — but more commonly in blacks and in smokers — ACE
inhibitors can cause some areas of your tissues to swell (angioedema).
If it occurs in the throat, that swelling can be life-threatening.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve) decrease the
effectiveness of ACE inhibitors. While taking an occasional dose of
these medications shouldn't change the effectiveness of your ACE
inhibitor, talk to your doctor if you regularly take NSAIDs.
Because ACE inhibitors can cause birth defects, don't take them if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
