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What are ACE inhibitors?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of drugs commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure. They also prevent heart damage following a heart attack and reduce the risk of kidney problems in people with diabetes. ACE inhibitors include benazepril (brand name Lotensin), captopril >(Capoten), enalapril >(Vasotec), fosinopril >(Monopril), lisinopril (>Prinivil or >(Zestril), moexipril >(Univasc), quinapril > (Accupril), ramipril >(Altace), perindopril >(Aceon), and trandolapril >(Mavik).

In general, all ACE inhibitors are considered equally effective. ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. They also affect chemical messengers in the body, with beneficial effects on the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

Although blood pressure will drop with the first dose, it may take several weeks for ACE inhibitors to exert their the full blood pressure lowering effects.

Sources:
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2000.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
"Sixth Report of Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure", Hypertension (March 23, 1994).

This answer prepared 11/14/00.

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