ARBs are often prescribed when patients cannot tolerate which side effect commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?

ARBs are often prescribed when patients cannot tolerate which side effect commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?

• A. Cough
• B. Dizziness
• C. Headache
• D. Fatigue

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a persistent cough is the side effect most commonly tied to ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors can raise levels of bradykinin in the airways, which can irritate the cough reflex and produce a dry, lingering cough in many patients. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) work differently: they block the angiotensin II receptor rather than inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down bradykinin, so bradykinin levels aren’t increased. That’s why ARBs are often chosen when a patient cannot tolerate the cough associated with ACE inhibitors. Dizziness, headache, and fatigue are possible with many blood pressure medications and aren’t specific clues for why a patient would switch from an ACE inhibitor to an ARB, so they don’t explain the choice as clearly.

The key idea is that a persistent cough is the side effect most commonly tied to ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors can raise levels of bradykinin in the airways, which can irritate the cough reflex and produce a dry, lingering cough in many patients. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) work differently: they block the angiotensin II receptor rather than inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down bradykinin, so bradykinin levels aren’t increased. That’s why ARBs are often chosen when a patient cannot tolerate the cough associated with ACE inhibitors.

Dizziness, headache, and fatigue are possible with many blood pressure medications and aren’t specific clues for why a patient would switch from an ACE inhibitor to an ARB, so they don’t explain the choice as clearly.