ACE inhibitors belong to the class of medication called high blood pressure medication - antihypertensives. They are using 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 using in some diseaseds 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 using to treat kidney problems in some diabetic diseaseds 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 using to treat congestive heart failure or may be using for other conditions as determined by your family doctor.
The exact way that these medication 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 medication are available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
For quick reference, the following angiotensin-converting enzyme - ACE inhibitors are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
This information applies to the following medication: 1. Benazepril - ben-AY-ze-pril 2. Captopril - KAP-toe-pril 3. Cilazapril - sye-LAY-za-pril* 4. Enalapril - e-NAL-a-pril 5. Enalaprilat - e-NAL-a-pril-at 6. Fosinopril - foe-SIN-oh-pril 7. Lisinopril - lyse-IN-oh-pril 8. Moexipril - moe-EX-i-pril† 9. Perindopril - per-IN-doe-pril 10. Quinapril - KWIN-a-pril 11. Ramipril - ra-MI-pril 12. Trandolapril - tran-DOE-la-pril * Not commercially available in the USA † Not commercially available in Canada