KMK Live Session General Pharmacy Practice Test

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ARBs are often prescribed when patients cannot tolerate which side effect commonly associated with ACE inhibitors?
Correct Answer:
Cough
Explanation:
The key idea is that a persistent cough is the side effect most commonly tied to ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors can raise levels of bradykinin in the airways, which can irritate the cough reflex and produce a dry, lingering cough in many patients. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) work differently: they block the angiotensin II receptor rather than inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down bradykinin, so bradykinin levels aren’t increased. That’s why ARBs are often chosen when a patient cannot tolerate the cough associated with ACE inhibitors. Dizziness, headache, and fatigue are possible with many blood pressure medications and aren’t specific clues for why a patient would switch from an ACE inhibitor to an ARB, so they don’t explain the choice as clearly.

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