Angiotensin converting enzyme Angiotensin I → Angiotensin II
Blocks aldosterone causing decrease in sodium and water retention
Decreased vascular resistance
Good Things They don’t increase cardiac output
They don’t increase contractility
They don’t increase heart rate
Nursing Interventions
- Monitor BP
- Help patient rise slowly
- Give on an empty stomach
- Caution with lithium (increases it) and NSAIDs (decrease it)
- Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
- Don’t give to patient with a history of angioedema Monitor labs: Potassium and WBC
Examples: Captopril Enalapril Benazepril
| Side Effects Mnemonic |
| Cough Angioedema Proteinuria Taste changes Other (HEADACHE) Potassium increased Renal impairment Itch/rash Low BP/orthostatic hypotension |