ACE inhibitor prescriptions available online

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup. When left untreated, CAD can lead to angina (chest pain), heart failure, heart attack, and arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). ACE inhibitors can decrease the risk of death or a major cardiovascular event in patients with coronary artery disease. These medications are beneficial for patients who already have diabetes too.

Heart failure

Heart failure is when blood doesn’t pump as efficiently as it should. Various factors can lead to heart failure, including CAD, hypertension, faulty heart valves, and heart muscle damage. ACE inhibitor use is a common treatment approach for patients with heart failure. These medications can improve hemodynamics, decrease symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea, correct hyponatremia, increase exercise capacity, and provide other benefits.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition indicated by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Unmanaged diabetes causes many complications and may contribute to heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Doctors may prescribe ACE inhibitors to patients with diabetes mellitus. They can prevent or delay micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes and are also the first-line antihypertensive agents in patients with this chronic condition. The ACE inhibitors can prevent impaired renal function, heart-related adverse events, and to a lesser extent, peripheral nerve function problems in diabetic individuals.

Some chronic kidney diseases

Chronic kidney disease is when the kidneys are so damaged they cannot filter blood efficiently. ACE inhibitors are more effective than other antihypertensive drugs in preventing renal failure progression in non-diabetic and diabetic patients. These medications reduce systemic blood pressure and intraglomerular pressure and decrease proteinuria (unfiltered protein) and chronic kidney disease.

Heart attack

Heart attack or acute myocardial infarction results from a blockage of the artery that sends blood and oxygen to the heart. ACE Inhibitors may be part of treatment after acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, as use may improve short term outcomes after the event.

Migraine

A migraine is a moderate or severe headache in the form of throbbing pain on one side of the head. ACE Inhibitors are sometimes considered as treatment to prevent headaches, although the evidence to support their use is not firm.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an uncommon condition indicated by hard, thickened areas of skin and problems with blood vessels and internal organs. It is an autoimmune condition meaning the body’s immune system starts attacking the connective tissue under the skin or around blood vessels and internal organs. Ace inhibitors are sometimes used as long-term therapy in established Scleroderma. Although short-term ‘bridge’ refills may be available at the discretion of the physician, the treatment and management of Scleroderma is generally outside telemedicine.

Side effects of ACE inhibitors

When taken as prescribed, ACE inhibitors are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects.

The more common side effects of ACE inhibitors include:

• Dry cough

• Fatigue and/or weakness

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
  
  In rare cases, ACE inhibitors may cause serious side effects. These can include:

• Rash

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Taste abnormalities, e.g., noticeable metallic taste

• Swelling of some tissues, such as the throat, due to an allergic reaction

• Decrease in white blood cells

• Kidney failure

• Jaundice

ACE inhibitor risks

ACE inhibitors are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed ACE inhibitor, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues:

• History of angioedema

• Severe kidney disease

• Renal artery stenosis (disease of arteries that supply blood to the kidney)

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

ACE inhibitor drug interactions 

When you begin a new medication, tell your doctor about any other medicines, supplements, or herbs you take. Some drugs that might interact with an ACE inhibitor include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Angiotensin receptor blockers

• Medications that affect sodium or potassium levels

• Medications that affect kidneys

ACE inhibitors you can get online

There are many different types of ACE inhibitors available. Below is a list of some commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors: