Heart and blood pressure
ACE inhibitors
Used for
High blood pressure, heart failure
How it works
Block the enzyme that makes angiotensin II, a hormone that squeezes blood vessels. The vessels relax and blood pressure drops.
Watch for
A dry cough is common. Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat is an emergency.
- Name clue
- -pril
- Examples
- lisinopril (Zestril)
- enalapril (Vasotec)
- benazepril (Lotensin)
More in heart and blood pressure
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)High blood pressure, heart failure
- ARB + neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)Heart failure
- Beta blockersHigh blood pressure, fast heart rate, chest pain
- Calcium channel blockersHigh blood pressure, chest pain
- Alpha blockersEnlarged prostate (BPH); some lower blood pressure
- Thiazide diureticsHigh blood pressure, mild swelling
- Loop diureticsFluid buildup (edema), heart failure
- Potassium-sparing diureticsHeart failure, blood pressure, fluid
- NitratesChest pain (angina)
- Cardiac glycosidesHeart failure, atrial fibrillation
- AntiarrhythmicsIrregular heart rhythms
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
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