Angioedema is a potential side effect of which medication class?

Angioedema is primarily associated with ACE inhibitors, a class of medications commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure. This adverse effect is characterized by rapid swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucosa, often occurring in areas such as the face, lips, tongue, and throat. The mechanism behind angioedema related to ACE inhibitors involves the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that promotes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability.

ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, but they also inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin. Consequently, the increased levels of bradykinin can lead to the vascular leakage and swelling characteristic of angioedema. This side effect can occur at any time during treatment, even after prolonged use, which underscores the importance of monitoring patients who are prescribed ACE inhibitors for any signs of this condition.

In contrast, the other medication classes listed are not commonly recognized for causing angioedema. Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers have their own side effect profiles but do not typically lead to this particular reaction. Diuretics also have a different mechanism of action and are not associated with the increased bradykinin levels that contribute to angioed