When first taking ACE inhibitors, patients should avoid operating heavy machinery (e.g., driving) until they know how the medication will affect them. Many patients taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure (hypertension) will be on the medication for the rest of their lives, provided no serious side effects occur. Patients should remember that ACE inhibitors control high blood pressure but do not cure it. Even though they may not have any symptoms (which is very common among those with high blood pressure), patients should continue to take their medication exactly as directed and to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with their physician. Patients should take and record their blood pressure readings regularly if ordered to do so, reporting anything unusual to their physician.

Patients on ACE inhibitors should inform their physician if they become ill, especially with severe vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions can cause the body to lose too much water and potassium, leading to low blood pressure (hypotension).

Patients are more likely to have side effects from ACE inhibitors if they spend too much time in the heat. Therefore, patients should be certain to drink enough liquids during exercise or in hot weather and to follow their physician’s orders about exercise, activity levels and diet.