ACE inhibitors

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to work. Read about the types of ACE inhibitors, how they work and possible side effects.

Types of ACE inhibitors

enalapril, also called Ipca-Enalapril
lisinopril, also called Teva-Lisinopril
perindopril, also called Coversyl
quinapril, also called Arrow-Quinapril
ramipril, also called Tryzan
captopril, also called DP-Captopril (oral liquid for children)

How do ACE inhibitors work?

ACE inhibitors widen your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump.

ACE inhibitors are used to treat a range of conditions including:

They are also used to stop people with diabetes getting kidney disease.

ACE inhibitor side effects

You may experience some unwanted side effects when taking an ACE inhibitor. These can include:

a dry irritating cough (this often improves with time)
dizziness
headache
diarrhoea (runny poo)
nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick)
shortness of breath
palpitations (feeling that your heart is pounding, fluttering or skipping beats)
skin irritations, such as a rash
possible kidney problems or increased potassium levels (these will be monitored by your doctor).

Call 111 if you have:

swelling of your face, eyes, mouth, lips or tongue, as this could be an allergic reaction. This reaction is rare, but it can happen even if you have been taking ACE inhibitors for a while.

Talk to your doctor if the side effects are worrying you. Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first.

What checks do I need?

You will have regular blood tests to check your kidney function and potassium levels when you’re on this medication.

What if I miss a dose of ACE inhibitors?

If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

Do NOT take a double dose.

What else do I need to know?

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any:

vitamins
supplements
natural medicines
medicines bought from a pharmacy without a prescription
alternative therapies.

These can sometimes make your heart medications less effective.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen) or diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren). These can be harmful when taken with ACE inhibitors.

You should not take ACE inhibitors if you’re pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you’re planning a pregnancy, become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

If you are sick while taking ACE inhibitors, consider following a sick day plan.