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ACE Inhibitor
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Patient Information
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ACE Inhibitors
What are ACE Inhibitors?
ACE Inhibitors are drugs that are used in a variety of heart conditions, most
commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure or after a
heart attack. There are many different ACE Inhibitors available; the one
chosen will depend on the patient and their condition.
How do ACE Inhibitors Work?
ACE Inhibitors inhibit the change of a chemical called Angiotensin I to
Angiotensin II.
Angiotensin II has a narrowing effect on the blood vessels causing high blood
pressure and strain on the heart. ACE Inhibitors work by:
1. Lowering the blood pressure
2. Helping the heart to pump more efficiently.
3. Preventing weakening of the heart after a heart attack.
Side Effects
These may include sickness, dizziness, headache, tiredness and a cough. If
you experience any of these, you should inform your doctor.
They can cause a marked fall in blood pressure, especially when first used by
people who are also taking other heart medicines.
They may also affect how the kidneys work, especially if your kidneys were
working abnormally before you started taking the ACE inhibitors.
When your doctor starts the treatment, he or she will take care to start you on
a low dose and will regularly check your blood pressure. They will check your
kidney function by taking a blood test. You will need to have more blood tests
from time to time to make sure that you do not have too much potassium in
your blood.
Do Not Stop Taking This Medicine Unless Told To Do So By Your
Doctor. If, however, you develop severe dizziness, light-headedness,
wheezing or any possible allergic reactions such as swelling of the face you
ACE Inhibitors
Version 1. July 2010
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Patient Information
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should immediately seek the advice of your doctor or go to the nearest
Accident and Emergency Department.
What should I do if I forget to take my tablets?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then go on as
before. It is important Not to take two doses at the same time. If you are
worried ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Angiotensin II antagonists
These act in a similar way to ACE inhibitors, but do not cause the persistent
dry cough that ACE inhibitors can sometimes cause, so they are a useful
alternative to ACE inhibitors.
Additional Information
Many patients who are taking ACE Inhibitors are doing so to treat conditions,
which have few or no symptoms such as high blood pressure or after a heart
attack. It is important to realise that although you may feel well you still need
to take these medicines and your doctor will tell you if you should stop.
How do I find out more?
This leaflet may not have answered all of your questions. You can ask the
nursing staff, your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Originator: Claire Salt
Version 1
Date: July 2010
Date for Review: July 2013
ACE Inhibitors
Version 1. July 2010
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