Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. The generic names end in -pril (Lisinopril, Captopril, Fosinopril)
They work primarily by lowering arteriolar resistance and increasing excretion of sodium.
They can also be used for Diabetes patients to prevent kidney disease (as research shows a correlation between ACE Inhibitor use and decreased progression of diabetic nephropathy- aside from the antihypertensive effect), and prophylactically with migraine patients (perhaps through stabilizing blood vessels and altering sympathetic activity according to Pharmacist's Letter).
Most common adverse reactions include cough and hyperkalemia. "ACE Inhibitor cough is thought to be linked to the suppression of ACE" according to this article. Hyperkalemia secondary to decreased potassium excretion can result since aldosterone acts to increase excretion of potassium, and decreased angiotensin II leads to decreased aldosterone levels. Other problems can include dizziness, rash, headaches, sleep problems.
next up:
Beta Blockers
Renin blockers
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
other ways of making Angiotensin II without ACE
schleroderma
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