ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme transforms angiotensin-I into angiotensin II. And the latter, as is known, spasmodically increases blood pressure in humans. This is done by narrowing the vessels, as well as throwing aldosterone. To block angiotensin, ACE inhibitors may be prescribed.

Thus, ACE inhibitor drugs are antihypertensive agents that have been successfully accepted for over 30 years at elevated blood pressure. To enhance the effect of the inhibitor is advised to take in conjunction with a diuretic.

Classification of ACE inhibitors

When differentiating the remedies, different classifications are used. Thus, according to the duration of the impact, such groups of drugs are distinguished:

1. Short-term exposure. The effectiveness of these funds lasts about 5-6 hours. If you do not take the next pill on time, there can be a sharp jump in pressure upwards. They include, for example, Captopril , which should be taken up to 3 times a day.
2. Means with medium-lasting influence. They are effective about 12 hours. Prescribe these drugs twice a day - usually in the morning and in the evening. The main representative of this group of tablets-inhibitors of ACE - Enalapril .
3. Medications prolonged effects. These funds are accepted at regular intervals once a day. However, in critical situations, two-time reception is also possible. This group includes Ramipril , Lisinopril and others. In the same group of medicines there are those, the effect of which is preserved until 48 hours after the last pill.

Taking into account the pharmokinetic features, the following groups are distinguished:

• medicines in which an active ingredient is present;
• prodrugs.

Also, ACE inhibitors of the new generation are classified according to the following elimination method:

• elimination by the kidneys (of the order of 70%);
• excretion through the urinary and cholagogic system;
• Elimination with bile through the gastrointestinal tract.

Such differentiation of drugs is convenient because the doctor can prescribe exactly what is appropriate for this particular patient from the general list of medical devices. All the advantages of the preparation and the peculiarities of its effect on the organism are taken into account here.

Side Effects of ACE Inhibitors

Even the best ACE inhibitor gives a number of side effects:

• a severe cough, provoked by the accumulation of bradykinin in the respiratory system;
• hypotension ;
• general weakness;
• specific taste in the mouth;
• a surge in creatinine;
• Hyperkalemia, the level of which is normalized by taking diuretics;
• allergy;
• aggravation of joint diseases, etc.

The appearance of at least one of this list of side effects is the reason to immediately contact the attending doctor to pick up another drug. If you ignore such alarms or try to select a drug yourself, you can only exacerbate the situation.

Contraindications to the intake of ACE inhibitors

There are a number of conditions in which the use of ACE inhibitors medications is strictly prohibited. These include:

• pregnancy;
• heart defects;
• stenosis of the artery going to the kidneys;
• hyperkalemia;
• arthritis;
• lactation period;
• hypotension;
• intolerance and so on.

In all of the above situations, the administration of ACE inhibitor drugs is justified only if other therapy is ineffective. In this case, the doctor after a thorough examination of the patient should be weighed against the possible risks and real benefits.