Over 40 common diseases, in addition to congestive
heart failure (CHF) due to hypertension (HTN) or non-
insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus (
type II diabetes mellitus) (NIDDM), atherosclerotic
peripheral vascular disease (ASPVD) due to HTN or NIDDM, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease; emphysema (
COPD), are associated with the ACE D / D
genotype and should also respond to an adequate tissue-inhibitory
dose of ACE inhibitors such as quinapril. Several of these diseases have now been successfully treated using higher than normal dosages of ACE inhibitors, especially hydrophobic ACE inhibitors, with good outcomes. ACE inhibitors have also been found to be useful in inhibiting
apoptosis and aging in general. Dosages that have been utilized are typically greater than quinapril at a
dose of 40 to 80 mg / day, i.e. up to 1 mg / kg per day for a “typical” 80 kg patient. New formulations of ACE inhibitors have been developed for these higher dosages, including 80 mg tablets, controlled and / or
sustained release formulations, and formulations containing a second
active agent such as a
diuretic, or a compound such as
furosemide 20 mg / day (for
creatinine <2.5 mg / dl) or
furosemide 40 mg / day (for
creatinine >2.5 mg / dl), to prevent fluid retention and congestive
heart failure in patients with renal failure. The ACE inhibitors can also be combined with an
angiotensin receptor blocker.