Lisinopril

Lisinopril is a non-sulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Angiotensin-converting enzyme normally converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction (thereby increasing blood pressure), stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete aldosterone and increase sodium and water retention, activates the sympathetic nervous system, and promotes hypertrophy of the myocardium and vascular smooth muscle. By inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme, lisinopril reduces angiotensin II levels, thereby lowering blood pressure and decreasing cardiac afterload. It also reduces the breakdown of bradykinin, which promotes vasodilation.