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What Is an ACE Inhibitor?

An ACE inhibitor is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a prescription medicine used to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors reduce the body's production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. They are used for high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney protection in selected patients, and after some heart attacks. They require monitoring because they can affect potassium levels and kidney function.

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What Is an ACE Inhibitor?

An ACE inhibitor is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a prescription medicine used to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors reduce the body's production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. They are used for high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney protection in selected patients, and after some heart attacks. They require monitoring because they can affect potassium levels and kidney function.

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How Do ACE Inhibitors Work?

ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that helps make angiotensin II. With less angiotensin II, blood vessels relax and blood pressure can fall. This can reduce strain on the heart and help protect the kidneys in some patients. ACE inhibitors also affect bradykinin, which helps explain the dry cough some patients develop.

When Are ACE Inhibitors Used?

ACE inhibitors are used for hypertension, heart failure, certain kidney conditions, and cardiovascular protection after some heart attacks. They can be prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medicines. They are not the right fit during pregnancy because they can harm the developing baby. The prescriber chooses the medicine and dose based on blood pressure, kidney function, potassium, and other medicines.

Common Types of ACE Inhibitors

Common ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, benazepril, captopril, ramipril, quinapril, fosinopril, perindopril, and trandolapril. Some are taken once daily, while others need more frequent dosing. ACE inhibitors can also be found in combination pills with diuretics or calcium channel blockers. Patients should check labels carefully to avoid accidentally taking duplicate blood pressure medicines.

Safety and Side Effects

ACE inhibitors can cause dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, headache, high potassium, low blood pressure, taste changes, or kidney function changes. Rarely, they can cause angioedema, a swelling reaction that can affect the lips, tongue, face, or throat. Blood tests can help monitor potassium and kidney function. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, fainting, chest symptoms, or very low urine output.

FAQs About ACE Inhibitors

Are ACE Inhibitors Blood Pressure Medicines?

Yes, ACE inhibitors are blood pressure medicines. They relax blood vessels by reducing angiotensin II production.

Is Lisinopril an ACE Inhibitor?

Yes, lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. Other examples include enalapril, benazepril, captopril, ramipril, and quinapril.

Can ACE Inhibitors Cause Cough?

Yes, a dry cough is a known side effect of ACE inhibitors. A prescriber can discuss alternatives if the cough becomes bothersome.

Are ACE Inhibitors Safe During Pregnancy?

No, ACE inhibitors should not be used during pregnancy because they can harm the developing baby. Patients who become pregnant should contact the prescriber promptly.

Reference

ACE Inhibitors: Uses and Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21934-ace-inhibitors. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431051/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Lisinopril. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482230/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Lisinopril: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692051.html. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Label: LISINOPRIL tablet. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=29e9ac54-f9da-495c-9102-2aac2cc7d88a. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.