What is ACE inhibitor

ACE inhibitor angiotensin-converting en¬zyme inhibitor: any one of a group of drugs used in the treatment of raised blood pres¬sure and heart failure. ACE inhibitors act by interfering with the action of the enzyme that converts the inactive *angiotensin I to the powerful artery constrictor angiotensin II. The absence of this substance allows ar¬teries to widen and the blood pressure to drop. ACE inhibitors are administered by mouth; they include *captopril, *enalapril, perindopril (Coversyl), and ramipril (Tritace). Possible side-effects include weakness, dizzi¬ness, loss of appetite, and skin rashes.