About 10 percent of heart failure patients develop a chronic, irritating cough from ACE inhibitor use. This cough may resolve on its own, but if not, other brands of ACE inhibitors or newer drugs called ARBs can be used (see the following question). Other, less common side effects of ACE inhibitors are:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat (called angioedema)
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of taste or a taste of stainless steel in your mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Skin that is sensitive to sunlight
- Tired feeling
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor. Do not stop the medication on your own. If you stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor, it can worsen your condition.