Zofenopril is a specific
ACE inhibitor with
antihypertensive, remarkable
antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties, including the ability to improve endothelial function and protect against
ischemia. These beneficial properties of
zofenopril are believed to be due primarily to the presence of a sulfhydryl group and the highly lipophilic nature of the agent. As a potent, long-acting
ACE inhibitor with tissue selectivity, it is a useful agent for the treatment of a number of
cardiovascular diseases.
ACE inhibitors block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and are recommended in the management of
hypertension with associated risk factors because of their renoprotective and cardioprotective effects. There is a robust body of comparative data supporting
zofenopril as an effective and well tolerated
ACE inhibitor for treating
hypertension. Hypertensive patients frequently require combination
therapy to adequately control BP.
ACE inhibitors combined with a
diuretic make a very effective combination, as a result of the synergistic mechanisms of these two
drug classes that allow good efficacy and favorable tolerability at low doses. The combination of
zofenopril and
hydrochlorothiazide is effective and superior to monotherapy with either agent. Clinical studies have demonstrated that early administration of
zofenopril in patients with acute
myocardial infarction is effective and well tolerated for reducing the incidence of major cardiovascular events in at-risk patients, and it is believed that much of the benefit is a result of the primary cardioprotective effect of
zofenopril.