Final answer:
ACE inhibitors are associated with acute renal failure and should not be used in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis due to the risk of decreased glomerular filtration rate leading to renal failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class of antihypertensive agents associated with acute renal failure and contraindicated in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis are the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). These medications work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a powerful vasoconstrictor, thus lowering blood pressure. However, in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, ACE inhibitors may cause a decrease in glomerular filtration rate leading to acute renal failure. Therefore, they should be avoided in this group of patients. Examples of ACE inhibitors include Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and Benazepril (Lotensin).