Ace Inhibitors (By Mouth)

Angiotensin (AN-jee-oh-ten-sin)-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors treat high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, and kidney disease.

Brand Name(s):

Altace, Zestril, Mavik, Prinivil, Capoten
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or have had an allergic reaction to any ACE inhibitor, such as Capoten®, Monopril®, Vasotec®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Accupril®, Zestril®, or Prinivil®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: potassium-containing medicines such as K-Lyte® or K-Tab®, or diuretics ("water pills") such as Aldactone®, Dyrenium®, or Midamor®.
• Tell your doctor if you use salt substitutes.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lupus.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• ACE inhibitors keep the body from losing potassium. Sometimes the amount of potassium in your blood can get too high (hyperkalemia), which can be dangerous.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Extreme weakness
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Skin rash, severe itching or hives
• Swelling of face, mouth, hands or feet
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough (dry and continuing)
• Headache
• Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, or tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.