What is a common adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors?

A common adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors is a dry cough. This occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that increases in concentration when ACE inhibitors block its breakdown. While bradykinin has various physiological roles, its buildup can provoke a persistent, dry cough in some patients. This side effect can be bothersome enough that some individuals may need to discontinue their ACE inhibitor therapy and consider alternative medications for managing hypertension or heart failure.

Dizziness, nausea, and fatigue can also occur as side effects of ACE inhibitors, but they are less characteristic compared to the dry cough, which is specifically linked to the drug class's mechanism of action. This unique association with a dry cough is important for healthcare providers to counsel patients about when starting therapy with ACE inhibitors.