What is a common adverse effect of ACE inhibitor toxicity?

A common adverse effect of ACE inhibitor toxicity is a dry cough. This side effect occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can build up when the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is inhibited. ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which not only lowers blood pressure but also affects the breakdown of bradykinin. Excessive levels of bradykinin can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, resulting in a persistent and irritating dry cough, which is an integral aspect of recognizing ACE inhibitor toxicity.

In the context of other potential adverse effects, while skin rash, headaches, and dizziness may occur in some patients taking ACE inhibitors, they are less specific and not as commonly reported as a direct result of toxicity. The dry cough is a hallmark symptom that distinguishes ACE inhibitors from other antihypertensive medications, making it a significant factor in clinical assessments of patients on this therapy.