Millions of people across the UK take ACE inhibitors, a widely prescribed group of heart and blood pressure medicines that includes ramipril, captopril and perindopril. Health experts say patients using these drugs may need to review parts of their diet, as well as other medicines they take, because some products can interfere with how well the treatment works. That includes certain over-the-counter medicines, which may be worth discussing with a doctor or pharmacist before buying.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, better known as ACE inhibitors, work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure. They are commonly prescribed for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, or those who have had a heart attack.
Common ACE inhibitors include medicines such as ramipril, captopril and perindopril.
- ramipril
- captopril
- enalapril
- lisinopril
- perindopril
Many patients will need to take ACE inhibitors over the long term, alongside regular blood pressure checks to make sure the medicine is keeping their levels under control. However long the treatment continues, the British Heart Foundation says there are specific things patients should be careful to avoid.
Foods high in salt
A diet high in salt can gradually push up blood pressure, working against the intended effect of an ACE inhibitor. Over time, this can place extra pressure on the heart and blood vessels.
The BHF warns that some foods and everyday diets may contain high levels of salt, so people taking ACE inhibitors should pay close attention to their salt intake.
NSAID medicines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, can also affect how ACE inhibitors work. The interaction can go both ways, and because both types of medicine can influence blood flow through the kidneys, taking them together may increase the risk of kidney damage.
NSAIDs include a number of common over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
Medicines high in sodium
For the same reasons as avoiding salty foods, people on ACE inhibitors may need to avoid medicines with high levels of sodium. This can include Gaviscon or CanesOasis.
Many medications that are effervescent, dispersible or soluble use sodium to help the pills dissolve. The BHF recommends speaking to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicines alongside your ACE inhibitor.
