What is an ACE Inhibitor?
ACE inhibitors, short for Angiotensin-converting Enzyme inhibitors, are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure by blocking the enzyme in the body that is responsible for the narrowing of arteries and blood vessels. In addition, they are occasionally prescribed to heart attack victims in order to prevent the onslaught of another heart attack.
ACE inhibitors work by relaxing clogged blood vessels, opening up blocked vessels and allowing more blood to reach the heart. Similar to a diuretic, they also work to lower the amount of salt and water in the body, resulting in a lower blood pressure.
Commonly Prescribed ACE Inhibitors
Some of the more commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include (generic names are listed in parentheses):
Accupril (quinapril)
Aceon (perindopril)
Altace (ramipril)
Capoten (captopril)
Lotensin (benazepril)
Mavik (trandolopril)
Monopril (fosinopril)
Prinivil (lisinopril)
Prinzide (lisinopril that includes a diuretic)
Univasc (moexipril)
Vaseretic (enalapril that includes a diuretic)
Vasotec (enalaprilat, enalapril)
Zestoretic (lisinopril that includes a diuretic)
Zestril (lisinopril)
What to Tell the Doctor
As with other medications used to treat heart problems, ACE inhibitors can interact with other medications and lessen the effectiveness of the ACE inhibitor and the other medications being taken. For this reason, it’s important to make the doctor aware of any medications you may be taking, including herbal supplements and vitamins.
Some medications that have the potential to react with ACE inhibitors and reduce their effectiveness include diuretics and any medication or supplements that contain potassium. ACE inhibitors work to increase potassium levels in the body, so taking medication that contains potassium in conjunction with an ACE inhibitor may raise the levels of potassium in the blood. In addition, certain aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant should tell their doctor before taking ACE inhibitors. Also, anyone who has allergies to other medications or has other medical conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, or a previous heart attack should inform their doctor before taking ACE inhibitors. Sometimes, the risks of taking the medication can outweigh the benefits they provide.
Side Effects
ACE inhibitors come with a variety of side effects, although they are more commonly rare and not serious. The most common side effect that comes with taking an ACE inhibitor is a dry mouth or cough.
Less common side effects include:
Headaches
Diarrhea
Metallic taste in the mouth
Nausea
Upset stomach
Sensitive skin (may burn easily if out in the sunlight)
Fatigue
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Pain in the joints
Numbness in the hands or feet
Some of the more serious, although rare, side effects are as follows:
Hoarse or “groggy” voice
Swelling in the face, hands, and feet
Difficulty breathing
A closed feeling in the throat, making it hard to swallow
Nausea resulting in vomiting
Bruising
Jaundice (characterized by a yellowing of the skin)
As with any medication, it’s important that you don’t just stop taking ACE inhibitors, which could make the condition worse. Discuss any side effects you are experiencing with your doctor. In many cases, the benefits of the medication will outweigh the side effects and you will remain on the medication. Other times, the dosage will be adjusted or medication will be changed.
ACE inhibitors are an effective way to lower blood pressure and treat forms of heart disease. Keeping your doctor informed and following directions for taking the medication will help you make the most of your treatment.