ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor
Drug class
Captopril, the first synthetic ACE inhibitor
Class identifiers
Use	Hypertension
ATC code	C09A
Biological target	Angiotensin-converting enzyme
Clinical data
Drugs.com	Drug Classes
Consumer Reports	Best Buy Drugs
WebMD	MedicineNet  RxList
External links
MeSH	D000806

An angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and congestive heart failure.

This group of drugs causes relaxation of blood vessels as well as a decrease in blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart. They inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, an important component of the renin–angiotensin system.

Frequently prescribed ACE inhibitors include zofenopril, perindopril, trandolapril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.

ACE inhibitors were initially approved for the treatment of hypertension and can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications. Later, they were found useful for other cardiovascular and kidney diseases including:

In treating heart disease, ACE inhibitors are usually used with other medications. A typical treatment plan often includes an ACE inhibitor, a beta blocker, a long-acting nitrate, and a calcium channel blocker, in combinations that are adjusted to the individual patient's needs. There are fixed-dose combination drugs, such as ACE inhibitor and thiazide combinations.

ACE inhibitors have also been used in chronic kidney failure and kidney involvement in systemic sclerosis (hardening of tissues, as scleroderma renal crisis).