Side effects and metabolic effects of converting-enzyme inhibitors

Side effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are not common with currently recommended doses. Hypotension, hyperkalemia and renal impairment may occur under special circumstances, and relate directly to blockade of ACE, in particular when pre-treatment renin levels are high. Other adverse effects, once quite common when excessive doses of captopril were prescribed, are now rarely seen. A possible exception is cough. Though not dangerous, cough is not infrequently seen during treatment with ACE inhibitors. Experience with these drugs is insufficient to recommend their use in the hypertension of pregnancy. The "metabolic-profile" with ACE inhibitors appears favourable, since they can increase uric acid excretion and lower plasma urate levels, carbohydrate tolerance is unaltered or improved, and lipid levels are unchanged. Electrolyte and metabolic effects of thiazide diuretics are blunted by addition of an ACE inhibitor.