Treatment of Angioedema Caused by ACE Inhibitors

Angioedema is deeper swelling beneath the skin or lining of the mouth. ACE inhibitors can trigger it even after someone has taken the medicine for a long time. Swelling may involve the lips, tongue, face, eyelids or throat, and hives may be absent. A clinician will review the medicine list and examine the airway. The suspected ACE inhibitor is generally avoided after this reaction, with an appropriate replacement selected by the treating clinician.

Contact a medical service promptly for new facial or mouth swelling and take the medicine packaging or a current medication list. Do not restart the suspected ACE inhibitor unless the prescriber specifically tells you to. Treatment depends on the severity and mechanism; airway observation, emergency medicines or hospital care may be needed. Antihistamines or oral corticosteroids may be considered in selected situations, but they must not delay emergency assessment.

Read more about [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/) and [Skin Swelling](/symptoms/skin-swelling/).

Call emergency services immediately for tongue or throat swelling, a hoarse voice, noisy breathing, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing saliva, dizziness or rapidly worsening swelling. These signs can indicate airway involvement. Do not drive yourself if breathing is affected. Even if symptoms settle, arrange medical review because a further episode can occur after the trigger is identified.

Ask which medicine may have caused the reaction, what replacement is suitable, whether you need an emergency action plan, and which warning signs require hospital care. Ask whether [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) or [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/) has a role in your specific case.