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Pharmacy- Drug Information  

Drugs That Lower Blood Pressure and Improve Heart Performance
(ACE Inhibitors)

The Generic (common) Name of the drug is listed first, followed by a specific Product (brand) Name, which is an example of that generic drug. To learn more about an individual drug, click on its Generic Name or Product Name.

 
Examples:
 
Generic Name Marketer Example Product Name
Enalapril Merck & Co. Inc. Vasotec
Lisinopril Merck & Co. Inc. Prinivil
Quinapril Parke-Davis, division of Warner-Lambert Accupril
Lisinopril AstraZeneca Zestril
Captopril Bristol-Myers Squibb Capoten


 
What is an ACE inhibitor drug?
An ACE inhibitor helps your blood vessels relax and open up. The drugs are commonly used to lower blood pressure and to make it easier for the heart to work. By doing so, it often improves the performance of the heart and is used for patients with high blood pressure and/or those with weak hearts (heart failure).

 
Why is it given?
The doctor believes that the patient's blood pressure is too high and/or that the heart is not working as well as it should. Without this drug the blood vessels are making it too hard for the heart to pump blood. This drug may also be given to patients with diabetes especially if the diabetes has effected the kidney function.

 
How long is it used?
Normally, this drug is taken for the rest of the patient's life.

 
Does it have side effects?
Side effects do occur. This medication may cause the blood pressure to be to low and may occasionally cause a cough.


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