Side effects and metabolic effects of converting enzyme inhibitors

Captopril Research Group of Japan made an evaluation of clinical usefulness of captopril in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension. A relatively low frequency of side effects manifested as clinical symptoms was observed when the daily dose of captopril used was 37.5-112.5 mg. Antihypertensive effect was well maintained in this dose range. Follow-up surveillance of captopril also confirmed this. Abnormalities in blood chemistry were also found to be very less frequent. Untoward metabolic effects of ACE inhibitors such as alteration of serum electrolytes, lipid profiles or glucose metabolism were reported to be minimal or not actually observed. Side effects and untoward metabolic effects may appear more frequently when the same dose was given in patients with renal impairment. ACE inhibitors can be used as the first choice of drugs in the treatment of essential hypertension with no renal function impairment.