Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors (Systemic)

Category

• Antihypertensive - Benazepril; Captopril; Cilazapril; Enalapril; Enalaprilat; Fosinopril; Lisinopril; Moexipril; Perindopril; Quinapril; Ramipril; Trandolapril
• Vasodilator, congestive heart failure - Benazepril; Captopril; Cilazapril; Enalapril; Fosinopril; Lisinopril; Quinapril; Ramipril; Trandolapril

Description

ACE inhibitors belong to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives). They are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Lisinopril, captopril, ramipril, and trandolapril are used in some patients after a heart attack. After a heart attack, some of the heart muscle is damaged and weakened. The heart muscle may continue to weaken as time goes by. This makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Lisinopril use may be started within 24 hours after a heart attack to increase survival rate. Captopril, ramipril, and trandolapril help slow down the further weakening of the heart.

Captopril is also used to treat kidney problems in some diabetic patients who use insulin to control their diabetes. Over time, these kidney problems may get worse. Captopril may help slow down the further worsening of kidney problems.

In addition, some ACE inhibitors are used to treat congestive heart failure or may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

The exact way that these medicines work is not known. They block an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, they relax blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Benazepril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Captopril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Cilazapril
  • Tablets (Canada)
• Enalapril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Fosinopril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Lisinopril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Moexipril
  • Tablets (U.S.)
• Perindopril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Quinapril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Ramipril
  • Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Trandolapril
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Parenteral
• Enalaprilat
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Accupril ¹⁰
• Aceon ⁹
• Altace ¹¹
• Capoten ²
• Lotensin ¹
• Mavik ¹²
• Monopril ⁶
• Prinivil ⁷
• Univasc ⁸
• Vasotec ^{4 5}
• Zestril ⁷

In Canada -

• Accupril ¹⁰
• Altace ¹¹
• Capoten ²
• Coversyl ⁹
• Inhibace ³
• Lotensin ¹
• Mavik ¹²
• Monopril ⁶
• Prinivil ⁷
• Vasotec ^{4 5}
• Zestril ⁷