Trandolapril (Cont.)

Trandolapril: How Does It Work?

Trandolapril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Trandolapril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, trandolapril causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
By helping blood vessels relax, trandolapril also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction.
 

Trandolapril Effects

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking trandolapril, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased on average by 7 to 10 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 4 to 5 mmHg on average. Certain factors can affect how much blood pressure drops, including age, ethnicity, and the dose of trandolapril prescribed.
 
By lowering blood pressure, trandolapril can also decrease the risks that are seen with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 
For people with congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction following a heart attack, the effects of trandolapril on the heart and blood vessels may increase survival. For people with left ventricular dysfunction, trandolapril may also decrease the chances of developing symptoms of congestive heart failure.
 
(Trandolapril Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;