PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which drugs are most commonly associated with causing angioedema?

1. Beta-blockers and Statins

2. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

3. ACEs and ARBs

4. Antibiotics and Antivirals

The correct answer is: ACEs and ARBs

Angioedema is a condition characterized by rapid swelling of deeper layers of the skin, often around the eyes and lips, and sometimes the throat. The correct association with angioedema is found with ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors) and ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers). These drugs are commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension and heart failure, and they can induce angioedema due to their mechanism of action, which affects the bradykinin pathway—an important factor in vascular permeability. ACE inhibitors specifically can increase bradykinin levels, leading to vasodilation and increased permeability, which are responsible for the swelling seen in angioedema. Although ARBs do not increase bradykinin levels in the same way, they can still lead to a similar condition, likely through different but related mechanisms. The incidence of angioedema with these medications is clinically significant and well-recognized. In contrast, other options do not have a strong association with inducing angioedema. Certain beta-blockers and statins can occasionally cause adverse reactions, but they are not commonly implicated in angioedema. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, while they