MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Names
benazepril (Lotensin)
captopril (Capoten)
enalapril (Vasotec)
fosinopril (Monopril)
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
moexipril (Univasc)
perindopril (Aceon)
quinapril (Accupril)
ramipril (Altace)
trandolapril (Mavik)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this medication?
A. ACE inhibitors are used to:

Control high blood pressure
Treat congestive heart failure (taking work away from the heart or unloading the heart)
Other indications: improve kidney function in diabetes

Commonly prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure), ACE inhibitors are essential for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). If your doctor has not prescribed an ACE inhibitor for your CHF, ask him or her the reason. There may be some very specific reasons to use medications other than ACE inhibitors for CHF, and your physician can explain why it isn't appropriate for you.

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines in this section. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking medication to treat gout or arthritis or a heart or blood pressure medication, or if you have kidney disease or lupus.

Q. What is the proper way to take this medication?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Take these medications exactly as directed. ACE inhibitors are usually taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals). It may take a few weeks to begin to feel any positive effects. Continue to take these medications even when you are feeling better.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly while on these medications. Remember that ACE inhibitors treat and help control your high blood pressure or heart failure. They do not cure it. You must continue to take them, even if you feel well.
Follow a diet that is low in salt.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Side effects with ACE inhibitors are not common. Some you might experience include: dizziness or lightheadedness, especially upon standing up; red, itchy skin rash; or a chronic, nagging cough or sore throat. The nagging cough associated with ACE inhibitors can be aggravating, is usually "dry," and is not associated with shortness of breath. More serious side effects include swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue and difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately. These medications can also cause low blood pressure or your kidney function to deteriorate or elevate your potassium level. Your doctor will order blood tests to check potassium and kidney function after you have started on one of these medications.