What is an ACE Inhibitor? - ANS Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
:Causes vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure
ACE Inhibitors relax heart and decrease blood pressure
What is an examples of a drug ACE Inhibitor? - ANS Captopril (Capten)
Benazepril
Perindopril
Trandolapril
Moexipril
what does ACE inhibitors treat? - ANS HTN, HF, Diabetic Neuropathy, and MI
What is the function of ACE Inhibitors? - ANS Reduce levels of angiotensin II- Bradykinin (dilate
blood vessels), reduce blood volume (kidney excretion), Hyperkalemia (elevates potassium in
blood)
**LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE**
What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors? - ANS Angioedema, cough (causes from
bradykinin), hyperkalemia, hypotension, renal failure
Where is the ACE inhibitors excreted from? - ANS Kidneys
What interacts with ACE inhibitors? - ANS Diuretics, Antihypertensives, potassium supplements,
lithium, and NSAIDS
What are the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors? - ANS Hypotension (<90 SBP); dry cough;
hyperkalemia (potassium 3.5-5) angioedema (deep tissue swelling (face, mouth, eyes, throat-
high risk in african americans); Dizziness in changing positions (orthostatic hypotension)
what do you monitor while patient is on ACE inhibitors? - ANS BP, Potassium levels (3.5-5),
BUN (5-20), creatinine (0.6-1.2), I&O, angioedema (deep tissue swelling (face, mouth, eyes,
throat- mostly seen in african americans)
Education on ACE inhibitors and ARB's - ANS BP & pulse regularly
Avoid salt substitutes w/ potassium rich foods (potatoes, bananas, pork, oranges, tomatoes,
avocados, spinach)
Talk to MD if dry cough is not tolerated instead of stopping medication.
Spironolactone with ACE or ARB's can increase potassium in blood.