What is a common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?

What is a common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril?

• A. Cough
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Both A and B
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (C)

Lisinopril, like other ACE inhibitors, commonly leads to a few notable adverse effects, one of which is a persistent cough. This cough occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin resulting from the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of bradykinin. This increase can irritate the airways and lead to a dry, non-productive cough that can be bothersome for patients. Additionally, ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated potassium level in the blood. This occurs because ACE inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin II, which normally promotes aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands. Aldosterone is responsible for potassium excretion; therefore, when its levels drop, potassium retention can occur, leading to hyperkalemia. Since both of these adverse effects are common and can occur simultaneously with the use of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, it makes sense that the correct answer reflects this duality. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients on ACE inhibitors for both a persistent cough and their serum potassium levels to manage these potential side effects effectively.

Lisinopril, like other ACE inhibitors, commonly leads to a few notable adverse effects, one of which is a persistent cough. This cough occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin resulting from the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of bradykinin. This increase can irritate the airways and lead to a dry, non-productive cough that can be bothersome for patients.

Additionally, ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated potassium level in the blood. This occurs because ACE inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin II, which normally promotes aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands. Aldosterone is responsible for potassium excretion; therefore, when its levels drop, potassium retention can occur, leading to hyperkalemia.

Since both of these adverse effects are common and can occur simultaneously with the use of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, it makes sense that the correct answer reflects this duality. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients on ACE inhibitors for both a persistent cough and their serum potassium levels to manage these potential side effects effectively.