![]() Usually, any changes to your kidney function will be mild and temporary. Your healthcare provider will use blood tests to check your kidney function before and during ACE inhibitor treatment. ![]() But it’s more likely in people with existing kidney disease. ![]() It can occur soon after the first dose of an ACE inhibitor, or after years of ACE inhibitor treatment. They’re known to improve blood flow to the kidneys, making them a first-choice medication for people with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.īut in rare cases, ACE inhibitors can cause kidney damage. Kidney problemsĪCE inhibitors are usually good for the kidneys. If you’re having severe symptoms of dizziness - like trouble speaking, moving your body, or passing out - seek emergency care. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dose of the ACE inhibitor or switching to another blood pressure medication. But in some cases, it may be severe or continue to worsen. In most cases, dizziness is mild and improves as your body gets used to the ACE inhibitor. This can take a little time, and dizziness may happen in the meantime. When an ACE inhibitor is first started, your body has to get used to its effects on your blood pressure. As mentioned above, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure, which can cause dizziness. Starting an ACE inhibitor can make you feel dizzy with the first few doses. If at any point your symptoms are severe - like cold and sweaty skin, breathing quickly, or a weak pulse - seek emergency care. This may include lowering your ACE inhibitor dose or the dose of other medications you take. They’ll look at your blood pressure medications and decide what to do. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you have consistently low blood pressure readings, let your healthcare provider know. If you have hypotension, your heart and other parts of your body may not receive enough blood. It’s also more likely if you take ACE inhibitors with other medications that lower blood pressure like diuretics (“water pills”). This is more likely if you have certain conditions, like aortic valve stenosis. But it’s possible that these medications can lower blood pressure too much, leading to hypotension. Low blood pressureĪCE inhibitors lower blood pressure. ARBs work as well as ACE inhibitors, and they aren’t known to cause a cough. They may switch you to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), like losartan (Cozaar), instead. Luckily, the cough usually goes away a few weeks after stopping an ACE inhibitor. If they think the ACE inhibitor is the cause, they’ll likely stop the medication. If you have a cough after taking an ACE inhibitor, talk to your healthcare provider. The cough can occur immediately after your first dose. It’s also more common if you’re using an ACE inhibitor for heart failure. This can cause your airways to tighten, leading to a cough.Īn ACE inhibitor-induced cough is more common in older people and women. Researchers think it may occur because ACE inhibitors raise levels of two proteins called bradykinin and substance P. Although it’s not a dangerous side effect, it can be a bothersome one. ![]() It often comes with a tickling or scratching sensation in the throat. Dry coughĪ dry, persistent cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors. Speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have additional questions about side effects. But keep in mind, it’s not an exhaustive list. Below, we’ll discuss seven possible ACE inhibitor side effects. ACE inhibitors prevent angiotensin II from being made, which lowers blood pressure.Įven though ACE inhibitors help many people, they can have side effects. Angiotensin II is a hormone that raises blood pressure. Examples of these medications include lisinopril (Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec), and benazepril (Lotensin).ĪCE inhibitors work by blocking ACE, an enzyme (protein) that helps make angiotensin II. Some ACE inhibitors are also approved for use after a heart attack, in heart failure, and in kidney disease related to diabetes. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are common medications used to treat high blood pressure ( hypertension).
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