{"id":1523,"date":"2024-01-03T13:05:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T13:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1523"},"modified":"2024-01-03T13:10:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T13:10:13","slug":"guide-to-ace-inhibitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/blood-pressure-medications\/guide-to-ace-inhibitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Reference Guide to ACE Inhibitors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, and related problems like kidney disease and diabetic neuropathy.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>This class of drugs work by blocking an enzyme that tightens the blood vessels in response to low blood pressure.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>ACE inhibitors have relatively few side effects and are generally considered safe.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>You can find the lowest price for ACE inhibitors with BidRx.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/bloodpressure\/facts.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and for many of them, ACE inhibitors can help keep it under control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and other conditions impacted by high blood pressure. These drugs were introduced in the early 1980s, and today, millions of Americans take ACE inhibitors to stay healthy and prevent future heart conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Do ACE Inhibitors Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE stands for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7150253\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angiotensin-converting enzyme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is a naturally occurring chemical that narrows the blood vessels. Low blood pressure signals the release of this enzyme, which triggers the process of increasing blood pressure and retaining fluid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normally, this helps keep blood pressure steady and supports healthy blood flow. But for people with cardiovascular conditions, constricted blood vessels put extra stress on the heart muscle and may damage fragile veins and arteries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors interfere with this natural process by keeping the blood vessels relaxed and blood pressure low.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This supports heart health, and may also improve kidney function and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. ACE inhibitors may also help manage diabetic neuropathy \u2014 a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. Some studies suggest that ACE inhibitors may also have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3814531\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">positive effect on insulin sensitivity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and glucose metabolism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors are often used in combination with other medications, including drugs used to treat heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/measuring-blood-pressure.jpg\" alt=\"measuring blood pressure\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding ACE Inhibitors<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors may be taken long-term in response to health conditions, or as a way to prevent possible issues in the future. This class of drugs is often used to treat several common heart conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure (hypertension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing heart attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing strokes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This class of drugs can also be used to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kidney.org\/atoz\/content\/angiotensin-converting-enzyme-ace-inhibitors-angiotensin-receptor-blockers-arbs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treat kidney problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including chronic kidney disease (CKD), nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria, or glomerular disease. Some people use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3326904\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors to manage migraines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or control <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11708761\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood pressure related to diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACE inhibitors are prescription-only medications that are typically available in pill form. Common ACE inhibitors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/benazepril-hcl-10-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benazepril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Lotensin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/captopril.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Captopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Capoten)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/enalapril-maleate-10-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enalapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Vasotec)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/fosinopril.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fosinopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Monopril)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/lisinopril-10-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lisinopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Prinivil)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/moexipril-hcl-7.5-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moexipril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Univasc)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/perindopril.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perindopril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Aceon)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/quinapril-5-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quinapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Accupril)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/ramipril-10-mg-capsule\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramipril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Altace)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/trandolapril-1-mg-tablet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trandolapril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Mavik)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Warnings and Contraindications \u2014 ACE Inhibitors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor has prescribed an ACE inhibitor, always follow dosing instructions carefully. Keep your medication on hand and make sure to refill your prescriptions promptly. If you miss a dose, take your next dose as soon as possible. Don\u2019t take more than your prescribed dosage, because this can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t suddenly stop taking ACE inhibitors. This can lead to serious health events like a heart attack, stroke, or worsening heart failure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before starting an ACE inhibitor, tell your doctor about any of the following conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of angioedema\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take ACE inhibitors because this class of drugs has been associated with birth defects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different ACE inhibitors may have different warnings, so discuss your specific prescription with your doctor to understand its risks and benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Side Effects \u2014 ACE Inhibitors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All medications have side effects, and some people should not take ACE inhibitors. Some common side effects of ACE inhibitors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness or dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue or drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metallic or strange taste in the mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although ACE inhibitors are usually considered safe and most side effects are manageable, there is a risk of severe side effects. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe low blood pressure (hypotension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsened kidney function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsened liver function<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A small percentage of people taking ACE inhibitors may experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8031276\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angioedema<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This hives-like reaction is characterized by swelling in the face, eyes, mouth, tongue, throat, or hands and feet. Angioedema can become serious, so seek medical attention and stop taking ACE inhibitors if you experience this kind of swelling. If you have ever experienced angioedema, even if it wasn\u2019t related to medications, you should not take ACE inhibitors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people are allergic to ACE inhibitors. Seek urgent medical assistance if you experience any of the following symptoms of anaphylaxis:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling throat and tongue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden swelling eyes and lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing or difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives, itching<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with any medication, you should talk to your doctor about your side effects and specific health needs, then adjust your treatment plan as necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"healthy heart\" width=\"780\" height=\"510\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Drug Interactions \u2014 ACE Inhibitors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter medications you take. ACE inhibitors are usually safe for most patients, but they can interact with other medications. This interaction could impact their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some known interactions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications that affect the kidneys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunosuppressants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications that affect potassium or sodium levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulin or other medications for diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No drug interaction list is complete, and interactions may vary depending on the other medicines and supplements you take. Check the Drugs.com <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug_interactions.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug Interaction Checker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a complete list of known interactions for your specific medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Protect Your Heart to Stay Healthy<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure can be hard on your body, but ACE inhibitors can help keep your heart healthy. ACE inhibitors aren\u2019t right for everyone, but they may help treat existing heart or kidney conditions and prevent problems in the future. Following your doctor\u2019s advice and taking your medication as prescribed will help keep your heart pumping strong so you can live a long, active, and healthy life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1528 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/woman-jogging-outdoors.jpg\" alt=\"woman jogging outdoors\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for ACE Inhibitors<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor has prescribed ACE inhibitors, BidRx can help you get your medications at the most affordable price. Create your free account, let pharmacies compete for your business, and choose the offer that fits your budget. Find your ACE inhibitors on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and place your bid today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure, support heart and kidney health, and how you can find the best price at BidRx. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1525,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blood-pressure-medications","category-heart-failure-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1523"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1529,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1523\/revisions\/1529"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}