Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A patient is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. This medication belongs to which drug classification?
- ADiuretic
- BCalcium channel blocker
- CBeta-blocker
- DACE inhibitor
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. ACE inhibitor
Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, identifiable by the '-pril' suffix, which works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II to lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers typically end in '-olol,' and calcium channel blockers often end in '-dipine.'
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Diuretics increase urine output and typically have names like furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, not '-pril' endings.
- B. Calcium channel blockers commonly end in '-dipine,' such as amlodipine.
- C. Beta-blockers usually have names ending in '-olol,' such as metoprolol.
ACE Inhibitors
A class of antihypertensive drugs ending in '-pril' that block angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing vasoconstriction and blood pressure.
- Examples: lisinopril, enalapril, captopril
- Common side effect: dry cough
- Used for hypertension and heart failure
Memory trick: 'Pril spills pressure down'