Types of medicine
What Is an ACE Inhibitor? Uses and Label Warnings
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor · say it: an-jee-oh-TEN-sin kun-VER-ting EN-zym in-HIB-ih-terAlso written: ACE inhibitor, ACEI, ACE-I
Short answer
An ACE inhibitor is a type of medicine for high blood pressure and heart failure that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a hormone system.
What it means
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of medicines. They block an enzyme that makes angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. With less angiotensin II, blood vessels relax and blood pressure falls. They are used for high blood pressure, heart failure, after heart attacks, and to protect the kidneys in some people with diabetes. Their generic names often end in '-pril'.
ACE inhibitor labels share several warnings. A boxed warning says not to use them in pregnancy because they can harm the developing baby. Labels also mention a dry cough, raised potassium, effects on kidney function, and a rare but serious swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat called angioedema, which needs urgent medical help.
ACE inhibitors are closely related to angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs, names often ending in '-sartan'). ARBs act on the same hormone system at a different step. They are not usually combined.
Where you may see it
- Boxed warnings about pregnancy on blood pressure medicine labels
- Leaflets under 'Serious side effects' (angioedema)
- Prescriptions and medication lists (names ending in -pril)
📄 How it looks on a report
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
🙅 What it does not mean
- A dry cough on an ACE inhibitor does not mean you have a chest infection; it is a known side effect to mention to your doctor.
- The pregnancy warning does not mean the medicine is unsafe for everyone. It is specific to pregnancy.
- Angioedema is listed because it is serious, not because it is common.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Enalapril
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
- Lisinopril
an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, a type of medicine that helps relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure
- Losartan Potassium
an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), a type of medicine used to lower blood pressure
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor”
Seeing this word on your own report? Get every line of it explained, free.
Explain my report🧩 Related words
🔎 Look up another word
More words: types of medicine
General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.