ACE INHIBITORS - Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme drugs known as ACE Inhibitors are used primarily to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure in adults. These drugs may also be prescribed for coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, scleroderma and migraines.

Below are some of the most prevalent ACE Inhibitors, listed by brand name, generic name (in parenthesis) and manufacturer.

• Lotensin (Benazepril) – Novartis Pharmaceuticals 
• Capoten (Captopril) – Par Pharmaceuticals 
• Vasotec (Enalapril) – Merck & Co., Inc. 
• Monopril (Fosinopril) – Bristol-Myers Squibb 
• Prinivil (Lisinopril) – Merck & Co., Inc. 
• Zestril (Lisinopril) – AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals 
• Univasc (Moexipril) – Schwarz Pharma 
• Aceon (Perindopril) – Solvay Pharmaceuticals 
• Accupril (Quinapril) – Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals 
• Altace (Ramipril) – Wyeth and Monarch Pharmaceuticals 
• Mavik (Trandolapril) – Abbot Laboratories

In 2006, the FDA issued an alert that ACE Inhibitors may be associated with an increased risk of birth defects when taken in early stages of pregnancy. The danger of taking ACE Inhibitors later in pregnancy had already been established. A June 2006 New England Journal of Medicine study report showed unborn babies are at risk of major congenital malformations from the first trimester when the mother takes ACE Inhibitors.

Other risks include the worsening of existing kidney problems and adverse interactions with other drugs. In 2005, a 7.4 million-dollar judgment was awarded in a Texas wrongful death lawsuit wherein ACE Inhibitors were prescribed together with a diuretic and an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.) This combination causes special concern with regards to the potential for renal failure.

Potentially serious side effects of ACE Inhibitors may include, but are not limited to:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Reduced appetite or changes in taste 
• Hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium) 
• Angioedema (swelling of extremities, body or throat) 
• Renal impairment 
• Birth defects

If you or someone you know has taken ACE Inhibitors and experienced commonly recognized, or unexplained side effects, use the form below for a free evaluation with an attorney who specializes in ACE Inhibitor cases. Unsafe drug cases are complex and guidance by an attorney who is intimately familiar with the drug is crucial.

Do not discontinue taking any medication without discussing it with your doctor, but if you have safety concerns about using ACE Inhibitors, our free evaluation may provide important information.

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