Converting-Enzyme Inhibitors in the Treatment of Hypertension

IN 1982, Vidt and colleagues reviewed the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic usefulness of captopril, the first of a new class of antihypertensives, converting-enzyme inhibitors.1 2 3 A review of the literature from January 1983 through August 1987 (with use of MEDLARS) revealed more than 1200 reports on 16 other such inhibitors. This review will consider the six agents most frequently mentioned — captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, pentopril, ramipril, or alacepril — and their clinical use in hypertension, discussing only double-blind placebo washout comparison studies, except for tabulation of side effects.Biochemistry and PharmacokineticsAll the converting-enzyme inhibitors reviewed have a common . . .