KEY POINTS
- Important class of medicines for heart failure
- Usually used in people with reduce heart function
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Use with caution with kidney disease
ACE INHIBITORS
THE FOUNDATION FOR HEART FAILURE TREATMENT
Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction are usually started on one of these medications which have been repeatedly show to improve quality of life and reduce death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure. all of the medicines in this class are effective for heart failure. These medicines also share similar side effects and precautions.
Angiotension-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
| Brand Name | Generic Name |
|---|---|
| Aceon | Perindopril |
| Accupril | Quinapril |
| Altace | Ramipril |
| Capoten | Captopril |
| Lotensin | Benazepril |
| Mavik | Trandolapril |
| Monopril | Fosinopril |
| Prinivil | Lisinopril |
| Univasc | Moexipril |
| Vasotec | Enalapril |
| Enalaprilat | |
| Zestril | Lisinopril |
Warnings
- Women who are pregnant should not take any medication in this class
- People who have kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or heart problems should talk to their doctor about the benefits versus risks of using ACE drugs.
- People taking diuretics (water pills) should talk to their doctor about the risks of using ACE drugs.
Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Problems sleeping
- Fast heart beat
Serious Warning Signs
Call your doctor or emergency services if you have any of these signs:
- Chest pain
- Problems breathing or swallowing
- Swelling in the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or legs