What classification does Lisinopril belong to?

Lisinopril is classified as an ACE inhibitor, which stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor. This classification is crucial in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By blocking this conversion, Lisinopril helps to lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve blood flow.

Understanding the role of ACE inhibitors is important because they are commonly used to manage various cardiovascular conditions, and recognizing this classification helps in understanding medication mechanisms and potential interactions with other drug classes.