Which medication is commonly used as an ACE inhibitor?

Lisinopril is widely recognized as an ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitor, a class of medications that primarily functions to lower blood pressure and manage heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is involved in the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By inhibiting this enzyme, lisinopril helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood, and effectively reduces blood pressure.

Additionally, this class of drugs has been shown to provide renal protective benefits in patients with diabetes and is often utilized post-myocardial infarction due to its ability to decrease morbidity and mortality in these patients. The therapeutic effects of lisinopril have made it a staple in the management of hypertension and heart failure.

Comparatively, amiodarone is primarily an antiarrhythmic medication, metoprolol is a beta-blocker used mainly for conditions such as hypertension and heart rhythm disorders, and amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used for treating hypertension and angina. None of these medications serve the specific role of an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril does.