Which is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors?

Which is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors?

• A. Nausea
• B. Dizziness
• C. Dry cough
• D. Rash

Answer: (C)

ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry, nonproductive cough. This occurs because blocking the enzyme raises bradykinin levels in the lungs, which can irritate the airways and trigger coughing. If the cough becomes troublesome, switching to an ARB can stop it since ARBs don’t increase bradykinin. Other side effects like dizziness from lowered blood pressure or hyperkalemia can occur, and angioedema is a rarer but serious risk. Nausea or rash can happen with various meds, but the dry cough is the characteristic feature associated with ACE inhibitors.

ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry, nonproductive cough. This occurs because blocking the enzyme raises bradykinin levels in the lungs, which can irritate the airways and trigger coughing. If the cough becomes troublesome, switching to an ARB can stop it since ARBs don’t increase bradykinin. Other side effects like dizziness from lowered blood pressure or hyperkalemia can occur, and angioedema is a rarer but serious risk. Nausea or rash can happen with various meds, but the dry cough is the characteristic feature associated with ACE inhibitors.