Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

Benazepril is commonly classified as which type of medication?

1. Calcium channel blocker

2. ACE inhibitor

3. Beta blocker

4. Diuretic

The correct answer is: ACE inhibitor

Benazepril is classified as an ACE inhibitor, which stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor. This class of medication is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a peptide that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this conversion, ACE inhibitors lead to dilation of blood vessels, which results in lower blood pressure and decreased workload on the heart. Understanding this classification is important for pharmacy technicians, as it directly relates to the medication's mechanism of action and its therapeutic uses. This knowledge helps in providing appropriate patient counseling, understanding possible side effects, and identifying drug interactions that can occur with ACE inhibitors.