Which antihypeensive is a prodrug and is conveed to its active form in brain?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of antihypertensive medications, specifically one that is a prodrug and is converted to its active form in the brain. A prodrug is a medication or compound that, after administration, is metabolized into a pharmacologically active drug.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **C. Lisinopril**. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension. It is a prodrug that is converted to its active form, lisinoprilat, by ester hydrolysis in the plasma. However, the conversion of lisinopril to lisinoprilat is not the key point here. The key point is that lisinoprilat is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and is converted to its active form in the brain. This is a unique property of lisinopril among ACE inhibitors.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** is not relevant to the question. **Option B:** is not a prodrug and does not have a unique mechanism of action related to the brain. **Option D:** is not a prodrug and is not primarily converted to its active form in the brain.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that not all ACE inhibitors are created equal, and lisinopril's unique properties make it stand out from other medications in this class.
**Correct Answer:** C. Lisinopril