Osmosis video - Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Nursing pharmacology

ACE inhibitors are drugs that lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. They work by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II normally constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. So, preventing its formation is one of the ways to keep the blood pressure from rising. Some commonly used ACE inhibitors include lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), captopril (Capoten), and enalapril (Vasotec).