What are ACE inhibitors?

• ACE inhibitors are used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure in adults.

ACE inhibitors include: Benazepril (Lotensin), Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril/Enalaprilat (Vasotec oral and injectable), Fosinopril (Monopril), Lisinopril (Zestril and Prinivil), Moexipril (Univasc), Perindopril (Aceon), Quinapril (Accupril), Ramipril (Altace), and Trandolapril (Mavik).

Who Should Not Take ACE inhibitors?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and take a blood pressure medicine, talk with your healthcare professional. ACE inhibitors can harm or even cause death to an unborn baby (fetus) if taken during the last six months of pregnancy

What are The Risks?

The following are the major potential risks and side
effects of ACE inhibitor therapy. However, this list is not complete.

• Birth defects or death of an unborn baby.
• Kidney problems that include worsening of kidney problems that you already have. Symptoms include a sudden weight gain and swelling of your arms, hands, legs, and feet.

The most common side effects with ACE inhibitors are:

• Dizziness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Before you start taking an ACE inhibitor, tell your healthcare professional if you:

• have had hives or allergic-type reactions after taking another ACE inhibitor
• have kidney problems
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding

If you are already taking an ACE inhibitor, tell your health care professional if you

• become pregnant.
• notice swelling of your face, mouth or throat, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing – this could be serious and you should get medical help right away.

Can other Medicines or Food Affect ACE inhibitors?

ACE inhibitors and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your healthcare professional.