The dose-response relationship with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: effects on blood pressure and biochemical parameters.

UNLABELLED: CURRENT USAGE: Plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and dose-response relationships during blood pressure reductions were compared for several marketed ACE inhibitor compounds. Both peak and trough responses are considered and contrasted. The presently recommended antihypertensive doses of enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and ramipril appear to lie within the linear range of the antihypertensive dose-response relationship. For benazepril and captopril, the recommended doses may be in the flat, upper part of the relationship. RECOMMENDATIONS: The recommended doses for initiating antihypertensive therapy may still be excessive in patients at risk of heightened pharmacodynamic responses. Further studies are required to clarify the dose-response relationship for all of these compounds.