This classification of drugs includes two brands which are listed in the charts at the end of this chapter. These drugs are prescribed for patients with hypertension and heart failure. They work by inhibiting the production of an enzyme (angiotensin-converting enzyme) involved in the increase of blood pressure. Without as much of the enzyme released into the bloodstream, less angiotensin II is produced. The latter is a hormone which triggers blood pressure to go up.

ACE inhibitors help to keep blood vessels open rather than constricted, thus limiting the demands placed on the heart to beat to supply oxygen. For those patients whose left ventricles have been damaged, and thus have to work particularly hard to provide needed oxygen, this is a particular benefit. By slowing down the workload of the ventricles, the excessive thickening of the heart wall is retarded, thus diminishing the progress of heart failure.

Should a cough or cold occur when taking the ACE inhibitors, you should not take a cough medication that contains pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (read the labels), since they may cause rises in blood pressure due to vasoconstriction. Discuss this important consideration with your doctor if you develop a cough. Cough medicine can also interfere with the action of the ACE inhibitors.

Women may experience an itching in the external genitals area after starting to take ACE inhibitors. While this is a rare occurrence, it’s worth mentioning since otherwise the patient might not associate the two.

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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol