ACE Inhibitors: Care Instructions

Overview

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors lower blood pressure. They also treat heart failure and prevent heart attacks and strokes. They block an enzyme that makes blood vessels narrow. As a result, the blood vessels relax and widen. This lowers blood pressure. These medicines also put more water and salt into the urine. This lowers blood pressure too.

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you take other medicines, especially water pills (diuretics) or potassium tablets. And tell your doctor if you use a salt substitute.

These medicines are a good choice for people with diabetes. They don't affect blood sugar levels, and they may protect the kidneys.

You should not take an ACE inhibitor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

You may need regular blood and urine tests.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine or if you missed a dose of a medicine.
• ACE inhibitors can cause a chronic, dry, hacking cough. If the cough is bad, talk to your doctor. You may need to try a different medicine.
• ACE inhibitors can cause swelling of your lips, tongue, or face. Rarely, swelling becomes severe and makes it hard to breathe. In this case, you may need treatment right away.
• Taking some medicines together can cause problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist all the medicines you take. This includes other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you have:

• Rapid swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, tongue, or face.
• Trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have swelling of your hands or feet.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have an ongoing, dry, hacking cough.
• You have any problems with your medicine.