Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are prescribed to treat high blood pressure
and heart problems. ACE inhibitors are medications to help relax the arteries and veins
to help lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent enzymes from producing
angiotensin II. The narrowing of veins and arteries can cause high blood pressure and
forces the heart to work harder. Angiotensin II also releases hormones that raise blood
pressure. There are many ACE inhibitors available, here’s a list of a few ACE inhibitors
available: Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril, and Lisinopril.
Medication errors while administering ACE inhibitors include the 5 rights: Right patient,
right drug, right dose, right route and right time. “Look alike and sound alike” can result
in giving the wrong drug. Check or ask for hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors. Should not
be taken during pregnancy, can decrease fetal renal function, anuria, renal failure, skull
hypoplasia and death.