Quinapril is an antihypertensive agent that is used to control high blood pressure and to treat patients with heart failure. In the body, quinapril is deesterified into the principal metabolite, quinaprilat, which is an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in human subjects and animals. ACE is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II. Inhibition of ACE activity by quinapril results in a reduction of angiotensin II formation. Side effects include dizziness, coughing, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, and hypotension.
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