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ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

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Meta Information

ID:ace-inhibitors
Name:ACE Inhibitors
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Active Compound

null

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
oral
Scope:
  • systemic

Regulatory Status

  • us:rx_drug
  • eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:
disease_treatment
Description:
Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and prevention of kidney damage in diabetes.

Typical Protocol

  • Lisinopril is often initiated at 10 mg once daily for hypertension.
  • Ramipril is often initiated at 2.5 mg once daily for cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Dosages are titrated upwards by a physician based on blood pressure response and tolerance.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
5
High Cost:
50
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Generic versions are widely available and typically covered by insurance.

Summary

ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This action relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the workload on the heart, making them a cornerstone therapy for hypertension and heart failure.

Purpose

Lowers blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular strain for disease management.

Card Summary

A class of prescription drugs that lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, primarily used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

  • lisinopril
  • ramipril
  • enalapril
  • benazepril
  • captopril
  • quinapril

Impact

Score:
8.5
Justification:
First-line, highly effective therapy for managing hypertension and heart failure.

Evidence

Grade:
A
Score:
10
Justification:
Extensive evidence from decades of large-scale human RCTs and meta-analyses.

Safety

Score:
5.5
Justification:
Generally well-tolerated but can cause a dry cough, hyperkalemia, and rare angioedema.

Flags

  • A persistent, dry cough is a common side effect, affecting up to 20% of users.
  • Can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), requiring monitoring, especially with kidney issues.
  • Risk of angioedema (rapid swelling), a rare but potentially life-threatening emergency.
  • Contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm.
  • May cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when first starting the medication.
  • Avoid use with potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium chloride without medical advice.

Verdict

Essential medication for managing hypertension and heart failure under medical supervision.

Qualifier

scope: systemic, focused on disease treatment

Created

2026-05-05T22:17:27.583400Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)