Quinapril belongs in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to hypertension and diabetes.

ACE inhibitors such as quinapril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thereby relaxing the arterial muscles and enlarging the arteries. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart so that it can pump blood more efficiently. The enlargement of the arteries elsewhere in the body also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. This is particularly beneficial when there is heart failure. In the kidneys, for example, this increases blood flow and reduces the filtration pressure in the kidneys.

Other drugs in the class of ACE are enalapril (Vasotec®), ramipril (Altace®), captopril (Capoten®), fosinopril (Monopril®), benazepril (Lotensin®), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil®), moexipril (Univasc®) and trandolapril (Mavik®).

 

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