NCIt definition : 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.;