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Taking ACE Inhibitors
DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Taking ACE Inhibitors

November 07, 2017

Taking ACE Inhibitors

 

The name of my ACE inhibitor is:

 

 

______________________________

 

Your healthcare provider has prescribed an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor. This medicine opens up your blood vessels and decreases resistance. This allows your blood to flow more easily and makes your heart's work easier. This sheet gives you tips for taking your ACE inhibitor.

Woman sitting at table taking pill, holding glass of water. Pill organizer is on table.Why might I need an ACE inhibitor?

  • It gives you more energy to do the things you enjoy.

  • It helps you stay out of the hospital.

  • It helps you live longer.

  • It strengthens your heart and kidneys.

Tips to help you

  • Follow the fact sheet that comes with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take it. Ask for a sheet if you don’t get one.

  • Have a routine for taking your medicine. Take it at the same time each day. A watch with an alarm can help.

  • Take your medicine at least 1 hour before you eat, if you are taking captopril or moexipril, as described in the manufacturer's instructions, or 2 hours after you eat. You may take all other ACE inhibitors at any time, according to your healthcare provider's instructions. 

  • Do not change the dose or stop taking your medicine, unless your provider tells you to. It may take a few weeks for you to feel that the medicine is working.

 

When should I call my healthcare provider?

  • You have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or you are sweating. These can cause loss of water (dehydration) and low blood pressure.

  • You have a dry, hacking cough or a sore throat.

  • You feel dizzy or faint, or have a headache.

  • You have a fever or chills, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling in your face, mouth, lips, arms, lower legs, ankles, or feet. These may be signs of an allergic reaction.

  • You have any other unusual symptoms.

  • Tell your healthcare provider if you wish to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. ACE inhibitors can cause serious side effects to your unborn child. Your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine to replace your ACE inhibitor that may be safer to take while you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Updated:  

November 07, 2017

Sources:  

ACE inhibitors in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: therapeutic use, Up To Date, Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor blcokers in pregnancy, Up To Date, Brown, N., Angiotensin Convreting Enzyme Inhibitors, Circulation (1998)97;1411-1420, White, CM, Pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic and therapeutic differences among ACE inhibitors, Pharmacotherapy (1998)18; 588-599

Reviewed By:  

Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Gandelman, Glenn, MD, MPH,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.