Side effects and cautions

Doctors commonly prescribe ACE inhibitors because they don't often cause side effects.

Possible ACE inhibitor side effects include:

• Dry cough
• Increased blood-potassium level (hyperkalemia)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Loss of taste

In rare cases — but more commonly in people of African heritage and in smokers — ACE inhibitors can cause some areas of your tissues to swell (angioedema). If it occurs in the throat, the swelling can be life-threatening.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors. Taking an occasional dose of these medications shouldn't change the effectiveness of your ACE inhibitor, but talk to your doctor if you regularly take NSAIDs.

Because ACE inhibitors can cause birth defects, talk to your doctor about other options to treat your blood pressure if you're pregnant or you plan to become pregnant.