Fosinopril Sodium
What is fosinopril sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Fosinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), ramipril (Altace), benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik). ACE is an enzyme in blood which controls the formation of angiotensin II, a chemical that circulates in blood and causes constriction of arteries and veins. Constriction of arteries and veins elevates blood pressure. ACE inhibitors inhibit ACE and block the formation of angiotensin II. By blocking the formation of angiotensin II, fosinopril relaxes the arteries and veins and lowers blood pressure. By reducing blood pressure, fosinopril also reduces the work that the heart must do to pump blood through the arteries and veins. This improves the output of blood from the heart especially when the heart is failing. The FDA approved fosinopril in May 1991.