Angioedema is a potential adverse effect of many other drugs, including:
Bupropion
Vaccines
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Proton pump inhibitors
Statins
Radiocontrast agents
ACE-induced angioedema typically presents with swelling of extremities such as legs, hands, and feet, as well as facial swelling, including the tongue. Internally, ACE inhibitors can cause swelling of the pharynx and larynx, which can only be seen via CT scanning and MRI. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy may be beneficial in patients with head and neck angioedema with any lingual involvement.[7] Notable symptoms include:[1,2]
Trouble breathing
Tightness in throat
Trouble swallowing
Nausea and vomiting
Cramps or stomach pain
Erythema
Intubation is indicated in severe cases in which the airway is obstructed. Discontinuation of the ACE inhibitor is required and may be sufficient in less severe cases. A ratings scale and discharge criteria have been proposed by Bonner and colleagues.[8]
Pharmacological treatments include:[2]
Subcutaneous epinephrine
Ecallantide
Icatibant
Fresh frozen plasma
Lisinopril, the drug responsible in this patient, is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (> 6 y) for the treatment of hypertension and also as an adjunct in the therapy of heart failure. It is also indicated for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. ACE is responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates aldosterone secretion. ACE inhibitors therefore block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which leads to a decrease in vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. Lisinopril also exerts its effect by blocking the breakdown of bradykinin, which is a contributory factor to its vasodilatory effect and adverse effects of angioedema and cough.[1,2,4] Other side effects of lisinopril include dizziness, headache, rash, hypotension, angina, palpitations, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Taste perversions may also be associated with its use. Hyperkalemia (especially in renal dysfunction) has been reported.[1,2]
Drug monitoring should be carried out upon initiation of treatment or dosage increase because of a propensity for renal dysfunction. Contraindications for the use of lisinopril include a history of angioedema, hereditary or idiopathic. Lisinopril is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug and in coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus.[2]
Medscape © 2018 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Patricia Ayuk Noumedem, Marissa Tabile, et. al. A 64-Year-Old Man With Throat Swelling - Medscape - Aug 08, 2018.
Comments