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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Mayo Clinc website: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- National Institute of Health website: Lisinopril and Hydrochlorothiazide
- Mayo Clinic website: Perindopril
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Side Effects of Ace Inhibitors & Beta Blockers
Both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and beta blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, also called hypertension 1. ACE inhibitors work by easing the constriction of blood vessels in the body so your heart can pump at a regular rate rather than an accelerated rate. Beta blockers lessen the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which also relaxes blood vessels to make it easier for your heart to work properly.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors also may produce some side effects that aren’t serious and will go away with continued use. These include:
- weakness
- unusual ejaculation
- belching
- discouragement
- lowered libido
- indigestion
- nausea
- nervousness
- irritability
- insomnia
Consult your doctor if they persist.
Beta Blockers
Serious side effects from beta blockers—those for which you should call your doctor—include:
- mental confusion
- blurry vision
- chills
- rapid heartbeat also known as tachycardia
- anxiety
- vomiting
- decreased appetite
- night blindness
- tunnel vision
- auditory
- visual or sensory hallucinations
- fever
- double vision also called diplopia
- throat soreness
- mental or mood changes that are severe
Less serious and generally temporary side effects may include
- erection pain
- diarrhea
- irritability
- drowsiness
- decreased libido
- temporary hair loss
- spinning sensations
- concentration difficulties
Overdose Side Effects
Taking too much of any drug can cause some side effects. With ACE inhibitors, these include:
- tachycardia
- lightheadedness
- seizures
- confusion
- bodily weakness
- reduced urination
An overdose may require emergency medical treatment. For beta blockers, overdose side effects may include
- abnormal dullness or weakness
- speech slurring
- nightmares
- depression
- anxiety
- headaches
- irregular breathing
- even coma
Serious side effects from beta blockers—those for which you should call your doctor—include mental confusion, blurry vision, chills, rapid heartbeat also known as tachycardia, anxiety, vomiting, decreased appetite, night blindness, tunnel vision, auditory, visual or sensory hallucinations, fever, double vision also called diplopia, throat soreness and mental or mood changes that are severe. For beta blockers, overdose side effects may include abnormal dullness or weakness, speech slurring, nightmares, depression, anxiety, headaches, irregular breathing and even coma. With ACE inhibitors, these include tachycardia, lightheadedness, seizures, confusion, bodily weakness and reduced urination.