Which adverse effect is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?

• A. Nausea and hair loss.
• B. Rash and photosensitivity.
• C. Cough (and potential hyperkalemia).
• D. Dizziness with tachycardia.

Answer: (C)

ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry, persistent cough and can raise potassium levels. The cough happens because these drugs boost bradykinin levels by blocking the enzyme that breaks it down; bradykinin can irritate the airways and trigger coughing. Hyperkalemia occurs because reducing aldosterone with these meds leads to less potassium excretion by the kidneys.

Other options don’t fit as well because nausea with hair loss, rash and photosensitivity, or dizziness with tachycardia aren’t typical hallmark adverse effects of ACE inhibitors. If a cough becomes troublesome, a switch to an ARB (which has similar heart- and kidney-protective effects but less bradykinin buildup) is often considered, and potassium plus kidney function should be monitored to guard against hyperkalemia.