
Episode 974: ACE Inhibitor Angioedema
Published: September 15, 2025
Duration: 5:03
Contributor: Ricky Dhaliwal, MD
Educational Pearls:
Angioedema in anaphylaxis Histamine and mast cell-mediated pathway Treatment: First line: epinephrine for vasoconstriction and bronchodilation Second line: H1 and H2 antihistamines such as Benadryl and famotidine ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema Different pathway from anaphylaxis ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema is mediated by bradykinins Therefore, anaphylaxis medications are not beneficial in patients with ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema Leading cause of drug-induced angioedema in the US Patients most commonly present with swelling of the lips, tongue, or face Treatment: Airway management: varies depending on the severity and progression of the presentation If awake nasointubation is...