ACE inhibitors

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Hypertension

Chronic heart failure

Diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria

Secondary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

It inhibits ACE reducing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II

Thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance, BP

Question 3

What are the side effects of this medication?

Answer 3

Hypotension
Hyperkalaemia
They can cause or worsen renal failure
Dry cough
Angioedema
Anaphylactoid reactions

Question 4

What are the warnings of this drug class?

Answer 4

Should be avoided in renal artery stenosis and AKI; in women who are or could become pregnant or are breastfeeding

Lower doses in CKD

Question 5

What other drugs do they interact with?

Answer 5

Potassium-elevating drugs including potassium supplements, aldosterone antagonists and potassium-sparing diuretics

NSAIDs can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity

Question 6

What are some of drug names?

Answer 6

Ramipril
Lisinopril
Perindopril