What it means
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors stop the body making angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and makes the body keep salt and water. They are used for hypertensionhy-per-TEN-shunBlood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.hyper- above, more than normaltension pressureFull entry , heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry , after a heart attack and to protect the kidneys in diabetes. Their generic names end in "-pril": lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, ramipril. Side effects include a dry cough, high potassium, dizziness and, rarely, swelling of the face, lips and tongue (angioedema).
For the nurse
Check blood pressure before each dose and watch for low blood pressure with the first dose. Check potassium and kidney function. Teach the client to report swelling of the face or throat at once, to rise slowly, and to avoid potassium-based salt substitutes. All ACE inhibitors carry a boxed warning: they can harm an unborn baby and are stopped as soon as pregnancy is found.
Remember it
"-pril" drugs: think "pril" for pressure.
At a glance
| Drug class | angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Also written | ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ACEI |
Related terms
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
cough
A sudden, forceful burst of air from the lungs that clears the airways.