| |
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
competitive inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin. ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, are antagonists of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and potentiators of the kinin system and are used for treatment of hypertension, usually in conjunction with a diuretic.
They are also used as vasodilators in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|