ACE Inhibitors: Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to relax. Lower blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to areas of the body that need it.

The three common types are Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril (Epaned or Vasotec) and Lisinopril (Zestril or Prinivil). The difference between them is how often they need to be taken.

• Give it as prescribed by your doctor.
• Give it at the same time every day. The time between doses is important because doses given too close together may lower your child’s blood pressure too much.
• The medicine works best when a certain level is in your child’s blood at all times. This happens when the doses are spaced apart in equal amounts of time.

If your child takes medicine 3 or 4 times a day:

• Skip the dose you forgot and resume the regular schedule.
• Do not try to catch up or give a double dose.

If your child takes medicine 2 times a day:

• If you missed the morning dose:
  • If you remember the morning dose before noon, give the dose when you remember and stay on the regular schedule.
• If you missed the evening dose:
  • If you remember the dose before midnight, give the dose when you remember and stay on the regular schedule.

Call your child’s healthcare provider or the Heart Center if your child misses more than 2 doses of any medicine.

• If your child throws up immediately after taking the medicine, go ahead and repeat the dose for most medicines.
• If your child throws up more than 5 minutes after taking the medicine, do not repeat the dose.

Call your pharmacy when you are close to running out of medicine. Your pharmacy will contact us about refills. The clinic visit is the best time to make sure your child is getting the right dose and has enough medicine.

Call us if your child has any of these symptoms:

• Rash not related to illness
• Cough that does not go away — lasts for about 1 month
• Dizziness, especially when changing positions
• Severe headache, fatigue, drowsiness
• Low energy level
• Infants — eating poorly, sleeping more

• Bring a list of your child’s medicines to each clinic appointment.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children