Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine.

The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

What are some examples?

For each medicine in the list, the generic name is first. This is followed by any brand names.

• Benazepril (Lotensin)
• Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• Ramipril (Altace)

This is not a complete list of ACE inhibitor medicines.

Why are ACE inhibitors used?

ACE inhibitors are used to help reduce the risk of many heart and blood vessel problems. For example, they may be used if you have:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart failure.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney problems.

What about side effects?

All medicines can cause side effects.

Side effects of ACE inhibitors may include:

• A chronic, dry, hacking cough.
• Low blood pressure. This can make you feel dizzy or weak.
• Too much potassium in your body.
• Swelling of your lips, tongue, or face. Rarely, swelling becomes severe and makes it hard to breathe. In this case, you may need treatment right away.

You may have other side effects or reactions not listed here. Check the information that comes with your medicine or ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take.

General information about side effects

All medicines can cause side effects. Many people don't have side effects. And minor side effects sometimes go away after a while.

But sometimes side effects can be a problem or can be serious.

If you're having problems with side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to lower your dose or change to a different medicine.

Always be sure you get specific information on the medicine you're taking. For a full list of side effects, check the information that came with the medicine you're using. If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

What are some cautions about ACE inhibitors?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine or if you miss a dose of a medicine.
• ACE inhibitors can cause a chronic, dry, hacking cough. Talk to your doctor if you have a dry cough. You may need a different medicine.
• These medicines can cause an allergic reaction. This can cause a little swelling. Or it can cause red bumps on your skin that hurt. In rare cases, the swelling may make it hard for you to breathe. If this happens, you may need treatment right away.
• Do not take these medicines if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Taking some medicines together can cause problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist all the medicines you take. These include other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.
• You may need regular blood and urine tests to see if the medicines are causing any problems.

General cautions for all medicines

• Allergic reactions. All medicines can cause a reaction. This can sometimes be an emergency. Before you take any new medicine, tell the doctor or pharmacist about any past allergic reactions you've had.
• Drug interactions. Sometimes one medicine may keep another medicine from working well. Or you may get a side effect you didn't expect. Medicines may also interact with certain foods or drinks, like grapefruit juice and alcohol. Some interactions can be dangerous.

• Harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist if all the medicines you take are safe.

• Other health problems. Before taking a medicine, be sure your doctor or pharmacist knows about all your health problems. The medicine for one health problem may affect another health problem.

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. That information will help prevent serious problems.

Always be sure you get specific information on the medicine you're taking. For a full list of warnings, check the information that came with the medicine you're using. If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.