ACE inhibitor

views updated May 21 2018

ACE inhibitor (ayss) n. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor: any one of a group of drugs used in the treatment of raised blood pressure 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. ACE inhibitors are administered by mouth; they include perindopril (Coversyl) and ramipril (Tritace). See also captopril, enalapril.