Ireland's HSE announces preferred ACE inhibitor and ARBs

Ireland Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Medicines Management Program (MMP) has identified two new preferred drugs as part of the second phase of the “Preferred Drugs Initiative.” This is the first time the MMP has identified preferred drugs in the angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drug category.

• The preferred ACE inhibitor is ramipril
• The preferred ARB is candesartan.

The selection of a preferred ACE inhibitor and ARB is designed to support prescribers in choosing a medicine of proven safety and efficacy in the management of patients with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.