NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt form of moexipril, a prodrug and non-sulfhydryl angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with antihypertensive activity. Moexipril hydrochloride
is hydrolized into its active form moexiprilat, which competitively inhibits ACE,
thereby blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This prevents
the actions of the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and leads to vasodilatation.
It also prevents angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex,
thereby promoting diuresis and natriuresis. Moexipril hydrochloride also directly
suppresses renin release.;