The Use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in General Medicine

ABSTRACT

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of drugs commonly used in the management of hypertension; congestive heart failure; cerebrovascular disease; stable coronary heart disease and diabetes-associated nephropathy. ACE inhibitors are divided into three classes; namely sulphydryl-containing ACE inhibitors structurally related to captopril; carboxyl-containing ACE inhibitors structurally related to enalapril; and phosphorus-containing ACE inhibitors structurally related to fosinopril. Though these classes of drugs are important in the treatment of the above conditions; they are not without side-effects. It is very important for clinicians to be aware of these side-effects so that patients can be warned; and compliance can be improved