Which adverse effect is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?

• A. Nausea and hair loss.
• B. Severe hypertension.
• C. Bronchospasm.
• D. Cough (and potential hyperkalemia).

Answer: (D)

ACE inhibitors commonly cause a dry cough and can lead to hyperkalemia. The cough happens because these drugs raise bradykinin levels in the respiratory tract by blocking its breakdown, which irritates airway nerves and provokes coughing. Hyperkalemia occurs because reducing angiotensin II lowers aldosterone, decreasing potassium excretion by the kidneys. While nausea or hair loss aren’t typical adverse effects, and severe hypertension isn’t an adverse effect of these drugs, bronchospasm is not commonly associated with ACE inhibitors.