ACE inhibitors

Conditions treated

ACE inhibitors are prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:

Research has supported the use of ACE inhibitors as a treatment for patients at risk for cardiovascular conditions. The Heart Outcome Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) trial looked at the effect of ramipril on patients at risk for heart attack and stroke but who had normal left ventricular function. Patients with Coronary artery disease, vascular disease or diabetes were given ramipril. None of the patients had a prior history of heart failure. Results showed a significant reduction in rates of death, heart attack, stroke and diabetes, as well as complications from diabetes.

Conditions of concern

Patients should not take ACE inhibitors if they have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

• Hyperkalemia. Because ACE inhibitors often cause an increase in potassium levels in the body, they should not be prescribed for patients who already have abnormally high levels of potassium in their blood (hyperkalemia).
• Low blood pressure (hypotension). ACE inhibitors may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels in hypotensive patients, especially after the initial dose. However, physicians will often prescribe ACE inhibitors for certain patients with heart failure despite relatively low blood pressure.
• Kidney disease. In certain types of kidney disease (e.g., bilateral renal artery stenosis), ACE inhibitors can interfere with blood flow to the kidneys and worsen the condition. Also, some forms of kidney disease may cause this medication to be removed from the body at a slower rate, increasing the risk of overdose and/or side effects.
• Liver disease. Some diseases of the liver can slow the removal of ACE inhibitors from the body. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects and/or overdose.
• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus). Patients with this chronic disorder have an increased risk of blood-related side effects from ACE inhibitors.
• Previous allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor.
• Pregnancy. ACE inhibitors may be harmful to the fetus.

Potential side effects

By far, the most common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors is a dry, persistent cough, which occurs in up to 20 percent of patients. It tends to affect women more often than men and usually begins within one to two weeks of starting the medication, although it can be delayed for up to six months. This side effect is usually not serious, but it often leads the physician to change the patient to a different class of medications, such as the closely related angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Rarely, stridor (swelling within the airway) may occur, requiring prompt hospital treatment.

A potentially serious side effect is hyperkalemia – an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, patients usually have regular blood tests to check potassium levels and avoid any serious consequences. This test is essential because most people will not be aware of a rise in potassium.

Patients may also experience acute renal (kidney) failure or a decline in kidney function. This typically occurs in patients who have existing kidney disease.

Also, people should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any side effects that could indicate an allergic or other severe reaction to ACE inhibitors. These side effects include:

• Fainting (syncope)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Swelling of the head or face
• Abdominal pain or swelling (with or without nausea or vomiting)
• Skin rash, with or without itching

Other side effects of ACE inhibitors include:

• Allergic reaction (sneezing, respiratory congestion, itching or skin rashes)
• Tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat)
• Edema (swelling) in the face, mouth, hands or feet
• Headache
• Drowsiness, weakness or fatigue
• Loss of taste (especially with captopril)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps, pain or distention
• Joint pain
• Chest pain
• Jaundice (rare, but serious)

When first taking ACE inhibitors, or after any increase in dosage, there is a possibility of a “first dose effect.” During the first dose effect, the patient’s blood pressure drops rapidly, which causes dizziness, nausea and possibly fainting. To avoid experiencing the first dose effect, it may be recommended that the first dose of this medication be taken at bedtime, or the physician may recommend that the patient forgo other medications (e.g., diuretics) for a few days after starting therapy.

In addition, ACE inhibitors rarely cause a decrease in white blood cells in some patients, making them more prone to infection. Patients should report any signs of infection to their physician immediately, which include fever, sore throat, nausea or vomiting.

Drug or other interactions

Patients should consult their physician before taking any other medication (either prescription or over-the-counter), herbal remedies or nutritional supplements. Of particular danger to individuals taking ACE inhibitors are the following:

• Potassium supplements. Use increases the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the body).
• Diuretics (some types). Medications that stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine, flushing excess fluids and minerals (e.g., sodium) from the body. Most diuretics cause the body to lose potassium, as well as sodium and fluids. One type – potassium-sparing diuretics – actually preserves potassium while flushing other minerals from the body. Because of this, using potassium-sparing diuretics in conjunction with ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. In patients taking both types of medications, risk of hyperkalemia increases with age and the dosage of diuretic prescribed (greater that 25 milligrams). People with kidney disease or diabetes are also more likely to develop hyperkalemia when taking these medications in combination.
• Salt substitutes. Many of them contain potassium chloride, which increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
• Low-salt milk. Use increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
• Alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages can produce a drop in blood pressure. Patients taking ACE inhibitors should consult their physician before drinking alcohol.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can decrease the effectiveness of the ACE inhibitors, worsen high blood pressure or increase the risk of kidney problems. Patients should consult with their physician before using them. A possible exception to this is aspirin. While aspirin is technically a type of NSAID, research has suggested that aspirin use – especially the low doses associated with daily aspirin therapy – may be safe for heart patients. Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their physicians.
• COX-2 inhibitors. These medications decrease the blood pressure-lowering effects of ACE inhibitors. However, they may pose less of a risk for future kidney problems than some NSAIDs. Patients taking ACE inhibitors should consult with their physicians before using these medications.
• Grapefruit juice.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications that increase blood pressure. Patients taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure should avoid OTC products that may increase blood pressure, such as those used for appetite control, asthma, flu, colds, cough, sinus problems or hay fever.
• Other substances that may adversely react with ACE inhibitors include narcotics (prescription painkillers), tobacco, and marijuana or other illegal drugs.

Lifestyle considerations

When first taking ACE inhibitors, patients should avoid operating heavy machinery (e.g., driving) until they know how the medication will affect them. Many patients taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure (hypertension) will be on the medication for the rest of their lives, provided no serious side effects occur. Patients should remember that ACE inhibitors control high blood pressure but do not cure it. Even though they may not have any symptoms (which is very common among those with high blood pressure), patients should continue to take their medication exactly as directed and to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with their physician. Patients should take and record their blood pressure readings regularly if ordered to do so, reporting anything unusual to their physician.

Patients on ACE inhibitors should inform their physician if they become ill, especially with severe vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions can cause the body to lose too much water and potassium, leading to low blood pressure (hypotension).

Patients are more likely to have side effects from ACE inhibitors if they spend too much time in the heat. Therefore, patients should be certain to drink enough liquids during exercise or in hot weather and to follow their physician’s orders about exercise, activity levels and diet.

Pregnancy use issues

Women are advised against taking ACE inhibitors during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters but also in the first trimester. The medication can cause low blood pressure, severe kidney failure, hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood), or death or deformity of the newborn. Patients taking ACE inhibitors should inform their physician immediately if they become pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, so they can start alternative therapy to ACE inhibitors.

When breastfeeding, some ACE inhibitors will pass into breast milk. Although this has not been found to cause problems in nursing infants, an alternative feeding method is recommended when ACE inhibitors are being used.

Child use issues

Because children are more sensitive to the effects of ACE inhibitors on blood pressure, they are at higher risk of having side effects and of having more severe side effects. Parents are encouraged to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a pediatric cardiologist before their children begin taking ACE inhibitors. In addition, use of certain ACE inhibitors may not be recommended in children under 6 years old.

Elderly use issues

Certain types of ACE inhibitors may not be recommended for use in older adults. In general, older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of ACE inhibitors and therefore at higher risk of side effects. Dosages, therefore, tend to begin on the lower end of acceptable ranges for this population.

In addition, elderly patients are more likely to have impaired renal (kidney) function, which can increase the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood). Therefore, elderly patients may undergo blood or other testing to determine kidney function before being prescribed ACE inhibitors.