ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors
Effacts may be reduced by NSAIDs and aspirin. SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN WITH DIURETICS, NSAIDs OR ASPIRIN.
Name
RAMIPRIL LISINOPRIL LOSARTAN |
Effect
Prevents the production of angiotensin II (causes vasoconstriction) thus relaxing arterial muscles and dilating arteries, leading to lower blood pressure. As above. Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB). Pre-drug, only becomes active when converted in the liver. Blocks angiotensin receptors so relaxes muscle cells and dilates blood vessels |
Uses
Hypertension, heart failure and preventing kidney failure due to high BP and diabetes, may also prevent strokes Congestive heart failure, hypertension and kidney failure (due to high BP and diabetes), may improve survival after MI. hypertension, reducing the risk of stroke (in patients with hypertension), left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetic nephropathy |
Dose
2.5-20mg/day once or twice 5-20mg/day 25-50mg/day |
Side effect
- Mild and transient; A dry, persistent cough (resolves after discontinuing the drug), abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fainting and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. First doses can cause dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure. Nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion, and sexual dysfunction. Non-productive cough that resolves when the drug is discontinued. Diarrhea, muscle cramps, dizziness, insomnia, and nasal congestion. May also cause a persistent cough, increase serum potassium, impotence, and angioedema (rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and sub-mucosal tissues). |