Which potential side effect is associated with ACE inhibitors?

ACE inhibitors are primarily used to treat conditions such as hypertension and heart failure by promoting vasodilation and reducing blood pressure. A common side effect associated with their use is hypotension, particularly after the initial doses. This occurs because ACE inhibitors reduce the levels of angiotensin II, a peptide that normally constricts blood vessels, and increase bradykinin, a vasodilator, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure.

Ototoxicity is commonly linked with medications such as certain antibiotics and diuretics, while hypertension would be counterproductive to the purpose of ACE inhibitors. Bradycardia, although it can occur with some medications, is not a typical side effect specifically associated with ACE inhibitors. Hence, hypotension stands out as the direct effect of these medications in the clinical context.