NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt form of quinapril, a prodrug and non-sulfhydryl angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with antihypertensive activity. Quinapril is hydrolized
into its active form quinaprilat, which binds to and inhibits ACE, thereby blocking
the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This abolishes the potent vasoconstrictive
actions of angiotensin II and leads to vasodilatation. Quinapril also causes a decrease
in angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex, thereby promoting
diuresis and natriuresis, and increases bradykinin levels.;