Loading...Q. I have had a violent cough for several months and have been treated with four different medications, a chest x-ray and blood test, all to no avail. I started taking lisinopril about the time this all began and noted that a cough was one of the side effects. When I asked my doctor, though, I was told that the drug was not the cause.
I have not been able to get restful sleep because of the constant coughing. Have you ever heard of such a reaction to this medication?
A. ACE inhibitors (benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril and ramipril) are prescribed to lower blood pressure. They’re very effective and usually well tolerated.
A persistent cough that doesn’t respond to cough medicine is a common complication, however. One study from South Korea found that a daily iron supplement, ferrous sulfate, may help ease this symptom (Hypertension, Aug. 2001). If not, your doctor might consider a different blood pressure drug.
Donna M.
I have been taking Divan for several years and have developed a cough. It has become so bad that I can not sleep. The cough is so bad that it makes me gag and throw up. I have not been on any other medication for high blood pressure. I Hope that with your information and what I have learned from some of the other posts I can get my Doctor to look at my treatment again. I can’t continue with this. There has to be something. I also have. Tardive dyskinesia. It seems to also has a cough as one of it’s symptoms.
JJ
Wow! Am I ever glad to see all of these comments about coughing until tears are running down my face and I am about to throw up! Thought is was allergies until I mentioned it to my doctor while seeing him for a completely different reason. He took me off the Benazapril right away and after only a few days, the cough is much better. Does anyone know what causes this cough?
Benazapril
RM
A diagnosis was made in 2006, that the persistent cough, keeping me awake nights, sitting up in a chair, was a side effect, to an ace inhibitor, prescribed for elevated b/p. Another medication replaced the ace inhibitor. Due to the on-going cough (gagging – hemorrhage in eye, repeated episodes of bronchitis, wheezing); I’ve been under the care of ENT & pulmonary specialist, since 2008; following hospitalization, due to laryngitis and low sodium/potassium. A lesion was removed from a vocal cord, caused by chronic cough. Inhalers cause reverse effects. Prednisone and antibiotics help temporarily. An antihistimine and acid reflux med are helping reduce the mucous, thus less coughing spasms, although throat wheezing-cough occur various times, between night and morning. My body has experienced tremendous trauma, and I suffer bouts of fatigue.
Thankfully and finally, after 6+ years of coughing; I’m able to get quality rest, generally sleeping 8 hrs/night, with my bed elevated. On good days, I participate in cardio and weight work-outs. Best wishes for wellness and peace to All, who have long-term side effects to medications. Hopefully, there will be something to help counteract these side effects.
Julie
I was put on Lisinopril due to having high blood pressure when I went to the doctor, and having some heart palpitations which I guess the doctor thought could be caused by the blood pressure. I had a constant cough, couldn’t go anywhere without water with me or I would literally be choking. I finally first asked for a prescription to get a blood pressure cuff for home, and started checking my blood pressure, and went off the meds.
I also did some research, and found a natural supplement, Astaxanthan, was supposed to lower blood pressure. I started taking one 4 mg pill a day, and guess what? I don’t have high blood pressure. It is always higher at the doctors, but not at home.
Also, I had been on Prevacid for many years, and had suffered joint pain, had a badly fractured ankle, the heart palps, anxiety, and I finally got off of it, and no more heart palps, no more anxiety, and I feel like me again. So, please make sure there is no other cause for your blood pressure, because you may needlessly be taking meds when you could change things for the better.
smc
I was placed on Lisinopril 2 weeks ago….within 3 day developed a dry cough from HELL! Dr. than put me on Lasortan…..same story…..My Dr. said I had this cough due to acid reflux (I had Hiatel Hernia repair 10 years ago)….no symptoms of reflux since then…..I believe these doctors are very aware of this coughing issue and should stop prescribing these very dangerous drugs…..As I have read in all the above comments, once you get the cough, you have it for a long time.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: Losartan is less likely to cause cough than lisinopril is, but both drugs could be culprits.
cb
I’ve been taking ramipril for about a year … I have coughing fits due to a “throat tickle” … it seems to be happening at least once daily … I’ll speak to my cardiologist about it and will likely try the iron supplement before changing drugs …
Julie
Hi, I am on 5 mg of Lisinopril, have been for about 3 months, and have had the cough, which has let up some, but am still bothered by an almost constant dry sensation in my throat, which causes me to constantly clear my throat, and will often make me cough, it also causes me to feel like I am going to choke if I don’t cough, and then I am swallowing, eyes, watering, it is awful.
I am curious as to how high any of your blood pressures were to be put on this drug. I feel I have white coat syndrome, and do not always have blood pressure that high. I have a home monitor, and have checked my pressure in the morning, before I ever take the pill and it usually reads 117/77. I want to stop taking the drug, but unfortunately, am now trying to find a new doctor who takes my insurance. Thanks for any input.
hed
Good site…. I also have developed the dry cough syndrome from taking Ramipril. The 1st 3 weeks I experienced a bit of a dry cough, but not until I started taking 2 pills/day did I have the persistent dry cough. And as everyone says, to the point of embarrassment, unable to finish a sentence due to choking, literally from the toes. I contacted the cardiologist and asked if it was okay to go back to taking 1/day, which I did, but this didn’t help much… although the cough initially backed off, it’s back again in full force.
I see him tomorrow and if I have to stay on this med, then I’ll be asking for a different one. I’m on the med for a low ejection fraction (weak heart muscle due to taking herceptin). I understand the issue of congestive heart failure, but I normally have always had lower than usual BP and still do, so I can’t understand why he’d put me on a BP lowering med??? Can anyone comment on this?
JCW
I was on lisinipril for about 2 months when I started getting a cough that I couldn’t get rid of. I was also starting radiation. I can totally relate to your story. The coughing would get so severe I would throw up, pee my pants, pass gas, tears, total embarrassment as it would come at the worst of times. I’m exhausted from coughing and was taken off from it 5 months ago and I am still coughing. I’ve talked to other people who have had the same problem, taking months for it to go away once you are taken off of it. I’m beside myself and just want it to stop. I am now going to be checked for asthma, doesn’t make sense. They shouldn’t prescribe this drug.
Judy J.
Thank you all.
Had dry cough from Lisinopril for maybe 6 months. Now have full blown coughing up fluid constantly. Think I must be dying. Stopped drug maybe 10 days ago, still coughing.
Idiot cardiologist says their are no side effects from these drugs, and
immediately escapes from room.
Had to go to emergency to find out Metoprolol had lowed my heartbeat so that I
could not breathe or hardly move. (for almost a year)
This is a very bad cough.
Thank you.
GRW
I take Ramipril and found out the side effect of coughing today from my family practice physician. The doctor who prescribed the drug said nothing about this.
We’ll see if my holding off on taking the drug helps. My FP physician said if it did, there were alternatives for the Ramipril as many people noted.
SMP
I cannot express all the mixed emotions I am feeling right now. I started taking Lisinopril about a month ago. I had just gotten over a bout of bronchitis and had been placed on an inhaler for asthma at the same time. So, of course, I assumed the cough was related to the bronchitis/asthma and was just taking a long time to go away. I have had coughs that linger a few weeks after a cold, but NEVER like this!!
I cannot sleep at night…. I am at the point that I do not even try any more! If I do get some sleep, I usually have to sleep with my head propped up on a bunch of pillows. I get maybe 1-2 hours max of sleep before the nagging coughing wakes me. I cough so hard that I have to vomit 2-3 or more times a day. It is embarrassing when I am out in public. If I fight the coughing, tears stream from my eyes. Sometimes the coughing is so hard…. major embarrassment… I pass gas as I cough. I do not even want to mention what happens when I cough violently while I am on my period!!
This cough has taken over my life. I cannot go on like this. Glad that I decided to do some research about my condition. Excited that I found this forum. Mad that this is Friday, because I wish I could talk to my Doctor immediately. You can bet your money that I will be in my doctor’s office on Monday to request that I be taken off Lisinopril!!
crb
My brother told me that his IM physician prescribed an asthmatic inhaler (don’t know which one) for his cough that he started having since starting an ace inhibitor. He has never been diagnosed with asthma. I sent him the link to this page, after telling him that I’ve never heard of treating possible a side effect like this with an inhaler (I’m a cardiac nurse for 30+ yrs). Ace inhibitor coughs don’t go away. You have to stop taking that Bp med & find another suitable one with the help of your physician.
DC
I just read an article that a Korean doctor discovered that taking iron supplements will lessen the horrible coughing that we are all experiencing. I am no longer taking any medication with ACE inhibitors, the coughing is just intolerable. It’s been almost a week since I stopped the medication, I am still coughing, but less. I am going to buy iron supplements from Costco or Trade Joes tomorrow, and I am going to see my DOC later this week to change meds. Good luck to you all.
SH
Was on 5g of lisinopril for 7 months and had an infrequent dry cough. The Dr. increased the dosage to 10 mg. and the cough has really kicked in, as many of you described! I have taken the increased dose for 1 1/2 weeks and want to give it a little more time. Sleep is being interrupted several times a night and the incontinence is VERY uncomfortable/embarrassing. If it continues to get worse, I am going to talk to the Doc. There’s gotta be a better med!
ADR
I was prescribed lisinopril after my mild heart attack 7 weeks ago and have developed a dry cough which has been ongoing for 5 weeks. At first I though I may have contracted walking pneumonia from the hospital, but all indicators are it is due to the lisinopril.
L.E.S.
In February of 2010. on warm days I was working in the yard and vegetable garden. I developed a cough that just kept on and on. Very little rest at night and lots of wheezing. I thought it was allergies and saw my Doctor. She took me off Lisinopril for about a month but it didn’t get any. I went to a pulmonargist who put me on all kinds of breathing meds. Albuterol, puffers, Cingulair, Omnarus, Advair, Spriva. Something in there may have helped at the time, but here it is January 2011 and the cough is back again.
I’m going to a Allergy Doctor to be tested, but he tells me I have to come off of my Metoprolo first for about 2 weeks, because the test can be dangerous and could close off my air way if I don’t. Has anyone ever heard of this?
PSW
Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors may make many people cough. My doctor did mention to me about a possible cough, so I was prepared. Lisinopril was very effective in lowering my BP and yes, I did start having “the cough”.
I thought I could weather it and hoped it would get better because my BP was so good. Not so, and after 4 months, I had to switch to something else. It concerns me that many of the MD’s you all have, seem unaware of the side effects of the drugs they are prescribing. But what concerns me more is the fact that it seems many of you who claim you weren’t told of possible side effects, don’t mention getting (or not) from your pharmacist nor READING THE INFORMATION that comes with EVERY SAMPLE you receive and also is available from your pharmacist when you get a new prescription.
Take a vested interest in your health care. Doctors DO screw up and they don’t know everything. Know what you are putting in your body. The reason Lisinopril isn’t pulled from the market is because it DOES work for hundreds of thousands of people who have no side effects. We (those of us who do have side effects) need to try other things. Unfortunately, they are likely more expensive.
D. Varney
I too am seriously allergic to ace-inhibitors and lost 22 pounds (off a 125 lb frame) during the six months I took it, because of sever coughing. I’d like to know whether the pharmacist who posted above has a sound scientific basis for his suggestion of taking an aspirin half an hour before taking an ace inhibitor.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THERE IS SOME CONTROVERSY ABOUT THIS. AMONG OTHER THINGS, IT APPEARS THAT TAKING ENOUGH ASPIRIN TO AFFECT THE COUGH (500 MG) ALSO REDUCES THE BENEFIT FROM THE ACE INHIBITOR: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12037691
Shirley Y.
You did not answer the question “Why does it make you cough?”
B.Nelson
A friend at work had all the symptoms described by the people above. I had been giving her essentials oils to help build up her immune system and they were not working on the cough area. I knew there was something amiss. Got online, found your info through google. Called her and she shared her doctor had recently added the lisinopril to her meds.
Her coughing came when she tried to talk or just would be sitting there unexpecting, she also had escalated to vomiting. I am sure she was headed for serious trouble.
I called her and shared, expressing the seriousness of her symptoms and that she should immediately call her doctor and refrain from taking any more of this medicine.
Thank you. B. Nelson
Mimi
Wow! I am absolutely amazed to read these comments. I was placed on Lisinopril in October 2009. I liked the medication because it seemed to regulate my BP. Then without noticing when, I began experiencing this cough. I didn’t associate it with the Lisinopril, although I did read that cough was listed as a possible side effect when I read the info sheet attached when you pick up your meds. However, the cough became very persistent, even violent. It would happen at any given time, but night time was especially and extremely difficult. I couldn’t sleep, I’d cough all day until my head would hurt and throat was sore. The cough would be so forceful, it would make me vomit this thick clear slimely substance, and I have to take deep breaths to breathe. I literally would have to change clothing somedays because I would have spurts of urine running down my legs from the force of the cough. My family became worried that there was possibly something else wrong with me. It was just a frighten experience. After returning to the doctor in December, I told him of the problems I experienced and he knew immediately it was the Lisinopril and prescribed me something different. He said it was the Ace Inhibitor. Although, I’ve been off the Lisinopril for a few weeks, I am still experiencing the cough, but it seems to be decreasing. I’ve been told it will eventually work it’s way from my system. With all these comments it would seem the drug would be removed from the market.
bev
Funny… I was told that lisinopril reacts this way with black people, too. I’ve been on this medication for a few months but I refused to take it anymore. Those coughing spells were temporarily elevating my BP (catch 22). One time I vomited in my sleep, which almost choked me. Why don’t the doctors tell us that this could be a side effect before they prescribe this mess?
Sue
I was taking moexipril for several months and I started experiencing a horrible “tickle/itch” in my throat, at times it was unbearable and i would cough so hard I felt like it was going to black out.
I went to my Dr that prescribed it and told him about the cough, he never once said it was due to the ACE inhibitor and referred me to an ENT, he looked in my nose and throat and could see nothing that could be causing the cough and he saw what meds I was taking and immediately suspected the UNIVASC (moexipril). I went back to my Dr and told him and asked him to replace it with something else. It has been 6 days now and the cough is almost completely gone and I am feeling much better and the sore throat from all the coughing is gone.
What really bothers me about this is, my Dr never once even considered it, as a matter of fact, he told me when I went in that I had a cold… and I asked him if that is why I had this for over 4 months. If you have this problem and you are on ACE inhibitor and your Dr won’t listen then pursue other opinions.
s smith
I finally got off Lisinopril and after about 6 weeks, my cough gradually subsided. I was so glad!! I am finally able to sleep. But it took at least 6 weeks.
Sandra R.
I have been taking lisinopril now for only a couple of weeks. I not only have a horrible cough I also gag. It feels like something is stuck in my throat which causes me to gag, sometimes it gets so bad I find the need to almost vomit. This happened to me before with another type of highblood pressure med-ication. I have been through x-rays for lung cancer. All was clear. I went to a nose & throat Dr. I have gone in and taken liquid to see if there was an obstruction and also I had to under for the Dr. to go into my throat and down into my esopigus and stomac. All came back clear. Please help.
Pharmacist John
Prevent Lisinopril cough. Leave off for 3 to 5 days Then, take one aspirin 30 to 60 minutes before the lisinopril. The aspirin prevents the inflammation caused by the bradykinin which causes the cough I have been told.
S Smith
I began taking Lisinopril in January 2009, began coughing, and my doctor said it was allergy. For months we tried all kinds of EXPENSIVE allergy products from pills to nasal sprays to cough syrups. Then one night I had the cough so bad I threw up and could not sleep. I went to the “Urgent Care Center” the next morning. He ordered an xray of my chest, said I “might have pneumonia” and started me on antibiotics. Nope, that didn’t work. Even with a second round of antibiotics. This has been going on for six months.
My heart doctor said the problem was Lisinopril and is now prescribing Amlodipine saying that should stop the cough. It has been three weeks and I am still coughing. Still have the tickle. It MAY be a little better, but not much. By the way, I took Diovan before Lisinopril, buy switched because the insurance wouldn’t cover it. I had no problems with Diovan.
mao
My doctor wanted me to try altace, but I forgot to tell him that I developed a cough w/Zestril. Well, I tried the altace for three weeks, started coughing after one week. I thought, let’s see if it goes away. It did not. I am now back on Atenelol. Let’s see how long before I stop coughing. It was like the others said, I would start coughing all of a sudden to the point that it would release some urine (embarrassing) and/or gag.
s.s
My mom took, lisinopril in Dec 08 for high blood pressure. After 3 days, she was coughing like crazy and couldn’t sleep at night because of the cough. Then the doctor gave her Benicar, and same thing. The asian doctor should know that giving this to asian women has greater chance of cough symptoms.
Then we changed to another doctor, same thing no real solution of the cough after more than 10 visits, $1000+ spent on medications & copays, blood tests, x-rays, ENT doctor visits, etc… the doctor prescribed OTC Mucinex last time after thinking for an hour. This all started after taking Lisinopril,- a common (ACE) inhibitors which causes severe coughs to asian women. Does anyone have solution for the cough?
MMM
Well, I see we all have something in common – we’re all on Lisinoprl which causes us to cough all night long and no one told us this was a side effect. I too started coughing all night long just one week after taking the meds. After about 2 months of this nagging “night cough” I read about how one of the side effects of Lisinoprl is coughing.
Sure, my blood pressure is down, but how much strain is this putting on my heart?!?! I rarely get sleep not more than 2 hours at a time. I told my doctor about this coughing, and he just gave me cough medicine and sent me in for chest x-rays. Now they want me to to go to the hospital for a pulmonary test. Now not only am I not getting my sleep, but I’m missing work too. I called my doctor and told him I went off my meds because I needed to get some sleep. Still coughing all night, and I’m on new meds. Nothing’s changed.
SL
What can I do? I have been coughing about 5 weeks now. initially I was taking lisinoprl. I am no longer taking this medicine but the coughing remains.
Betty L.
I last posted on May, 23, 2009.
It has been almost a month since I discontinued Lotrel and my cough, etc has almost dissipated. Never knew how grateful I would be for a sound nights sleep. I feel this med has cheated me out of 5 months of my life. Good luck to all of you. Betty
Pat E.
Been on Lisiniprol 3 months or so–never was on any B.P. med before this–gained enough weight to cause this. Coughing guts out! Not constant–but once start–very aggravating. My girlfriend on generic–propanalol and never coughs–so would like comments on this one. For heavens sakes–if coughing so much–that could cause heart to flip!! Pat E.
BLeidy
I was put on generic lotrel the last week of Jan 09. At the time I had flu like symptoms, so when the cough started I believed it was a flu cough that was just persisting. After 4 months I knew I needed help. I went to my PCP and he gave me an Advair inhaler, thinking it was a flu induced asthma. Needless to say it was no help.
I then went to a pulmonologist and he did spirometry and a barium swallow to rule out asthma and reflux. Both negative. He suggested to me there was a chance it was the Ace inhibitor and called my MD to see if he would ok a change. I started on Azor, which doesn’t have the ACE. I have gone through every cough medicine on the market, so sick of cough drops I could scream.
It has been two weeks and I am waiting for a good night sleep and an unembarressing meal in a restaurant. I’m curious what the time frame is for most people to get this poison out of our system.
Jeh
I have been on lisinopril for a month. I began with that tickle in the throat that can’t be ignored almost immediately. I would really like to stay on it as it is quite beneficial. I can put up with the tickle and cough if it doesn’t get any worse but if the gagging starts as it has with some of you, I may have to request a change.
GGreen
I have been on Lisinopril for six months now and have had a chronic cough, especially at night, with a tickle in my throat that does not go away with water. I cough so hard that I get slightly incontinent. Also, muscle weakness is marked in my right arm and now starting in my left. I’ve had to push myself to do things I normally enjoy. I read an article only three days ago that stated that Lisinopril can have these side effects. I’m going to the Dr. on Tuesday and will request being taken off this drug.
Steve V.
I started Lisinopril and like alot of you expeienced a dry itch in my throat that made me cough. This lasted for 2 months. Just before leaving on a two week vacation, I realized the cough was due to the Lisinopril and asked my doctor to change my prescription. She didn’t want to change the prescription before a vacation, but mentioned that the cough may go away over time. Two months later, the cough is much better, although I can still feel the throat itch ocasionally, especially at night.
MMB
I took lisinopril for at least a year — coughing my head off! — before I learned cough was a side effect of lisinopril. I am quite annoyed that I wasn’t warned. I had sugarfree cough drops in every room, my purse, the car. Now when they ask if I am allergic to any meds, I write lisinopril, atenolol (first dose caused me to faint), and statins (significant leg cramps). I have developed the philosophy that I will not take drugs that are designed to protect my future if they significantly degrade my lifestyle in the present.
For the same reason I won’t take Coumadin even though I have atrial fibrillation. I resent the way these drugs are promoted to doctors, who prescribe them to patients without a warning about side effects.
mb
I am so relieved that I found your site about this coughing problem suspected due to lisinopril. I am a RN and I thought I contracted bronchitis of Pneumonia from my patients at the same time I started on lisinopril when I started coughing especially when I lay down. Phenergan w/ codeine helped me a lot to sleep but after two bottles it still persisted. X-ray in the urgent care is normal. I again started on claritin but the cough is persistent. I just placed a call to MD and mention this website about coughing due to lisinopril. Bp was better but I hate this coughing, hopefully there is better bp med. Thanks
h pierce
I have been on benazepril since having a heart attack in Aug, 08. I have had a chronic cough since the month after starting and it seems to get progressively worse week to week. My doctor says I must stay on the ACE because he is afraid I will go into Heart failure, and also for the protection of my heart. I have also been on beta blocker toprol-xl but switched to coreg a week ago due to severely decreased circulation in my extremities.
The circulation has gotten worse and I also now am having mental changes. I am frightened…any idea what I should do? My doctor says I have to take these two meds! He says I will have another heart attack without them. Please someone help me out here, I have no idea where to turn. Thanks.
H.L.
Oh my goodness, what a huge relief to find some sensible answers. It never occurred to me that this cough would be related to my blood pressure meds. I’m on quinapril, but I can echo everything everyone has said so far -the nighttime coughing, coughing so hard I start to gag, a little tickle in the back of the throat that won’t go away, even with water or cough drops.
I’m going to have to call my MD soon!
SS
I too, developed a nocturnal cough, which is relieved with cough drops. I notice a small amount of phlegm which seems to be the culprit. I do not have reflux problems. I had initially been placed on HCTz, which inhibited orgasm, and this was the reason for the switch. Lisinopril has lowered my BP, but I intend to ask for an alternate Rx
Donna A
My doctor placed me on lisinopril on Sept. 10. Sept 17 I started coughing. I went to my primary Dr. who said I had bronchitis. After 2 rounds of antibiotics, codeine cough syrup & 2 bottles of OTC cough syrup, meds for acid refux, and an albuterol inhaler, my cardiologist told me I had cough from the lisinopril. I stopped taking it 3 days ago, still have that cough! I cough so hard I throw up! I can’t sleep because of the cough & my right side muscles hurt so much from coughing. I have been placed on mycardis. I hope this cough goes away. It is Nov. 8 & I need to get a good nights sleep!
Vicki P.
I also was placed on Lisinopril due to it’s cheaper cost. I also began with that annoying cough almost immediately. I went through 3 antibiotics, one of which was over 100.00. My physician did change me back to Benicar and I will deal with the cost. This happened about 6 weeks ago. Although the cough is better and I am sleeping at night it still has not gone away. Lisinopril has now been listed on my chart as an allergy. I am going to start with iron tonight to see if it will finally clear it up.
Theresa S.
Wow! I have been reading all of these comments and are amazed at how many people have experienced the cough issue with Lisiniprol!
I was taking Diovan, and I asked to be switched to Lisiniprol because it was cheaper. I really don’t know when I started to take the Lisiniprol because I had a few weeks, to a month or two left of my Diovan. I developed this nasty little cough. I thought it was just a cold. I treated it like a cold cough. It persisted though, and it would not go away! It became seriously unbearable. It kept me up at night, made me throw up a few times because the cough was so intense. I was running on maybe 3 hours of sleep a night. I practically begged them to fix me at the doctor. My doctor thought perhaps it was because of the brutal cold winter we had in Wisconsin. We moved on to Spring, and I was put on a few allergy medications, and several different inhalers.
I lived off and (and still have) a nice collection of Luden’s cough drops. I would also have to run to the bathroom at odd times, because the cough was so bad, I knew I would end up vomiting. My job involves talking on the phone, and I can’t count how many times I would be talking, forcing my voice out, and having tears running down my face from trying to control my cough. The cough attacks would come on suddenly, and were usually pretty intense.
Well, after almost a year of dealing with this, they prescribed me with some antacid pills, sent me to see a professional allergist, and in the long run cost me TONS of money. I was living off Tussenex just to get some sleep at night. It was the only thing that kept me from coughing, or at least controlled it to a point. My neighbors were so upset with me as I live in an apartment, and would be coughing all night in my sleep. I got yelled at more than once through the walls.
Oh, I forgot to mention that at one point they did switch me back to Diovan to see. I was on it for maybe 3 weeks? The cough did not seem to go away, so they assumed it was not the Lisiniprol.
I did some research and read about the ACE inhibitors that can cause cough. I read it can take weeks or possibly months for the cough to dissipate.
I finally decided to switch back to Diovan, maybe 2 or 3 weeks ago. So far, I have small coughs, but nothing like before! I hardly cough at night anymore. If I do cough, I think it might be just from my dry apartment, or maybe allergies as I often have a snotty nose. I am quite sure my “cough” is gone for good. I don’t miss it! I feel like I have my life back. It’s amazing how a cough like that can make you so miserable and cause trouble in your day to day activities.
RAY H/
I’ve had a chronic cough for over 15 years. Five years ago my blood pressure rose, so i was put on Lisinoprol 10mg. After six months my chough became worst.Dr took me off, and put me on Micardis/HCT. Still have cough but back where it was before. Nothing helps my cough.
adp
I have hypertension. Blood pressure runs about 148/94. Dr. started me on Lisonpril but I developed a rash that itched like crazy. I also developed a nagging dry cough that nothing would stop. A shame tho, because it really lowered my blood pressure – most of the time it was 112/72. But, due to above problems, Dr. decided to wean me off of that.
He then put me on Norvasc. It lowered it to about 125/85 but not as much as the lisonpril. About 2 – 3 weeks after I started taking Norvasc, I developed this horrible rash all over my body. It doesn’t itch. But, it is literally all over my body – even on the tops of my feet!
I can’t wear shorts, a normal length dress or skirt or short sleeves due to this embarrassing rash. I’ve asked the Dr. to wean me off this. I’ve been off about a week now, rash is slowly going away, but not completely. Blood pressure is back up to 128/90. I don’t know what to ask the Dr. to try next. Help!
RAThomas
I had my nasty cough as early as Feb 08. Around June 08, Dr. xxxxx told me the cough must be allergies. Today (Sept 30, 08) he tells me that a known potential side effect of Lisinopril (and other ACE inhibitors) is a dry, itchy cough that won’t go away. He had prescribed me Lisinopril in Jan 08 to help control my blood pressure. Stopped taking it today.
I’m looking forward to being able to sleep at night soon!
CC
I stopped taking Lisinopril 3 days ago and am still coughing so much my family and friends think it’s bronchitis. I had to call in sick to work because of it. The pharmacist told me it was too soon because I only took it for 8 days, but it started on the 5th day and hasn’t stopped yet. I can’t get any sleep. My head hurts from coughing, and I sound like I have laryngitis. This is awful. The doctor has switched my medicine, but I am really scared to take anything else with this cough.
JB
After having some trouble with Atenolol, rash on chest and forehead I was switched to Lisinopril. The coughing started shortly after my first dose. It would get bad when I would lie down to go to sleep for some reason and usually shortly after I took the medication. It’s seemed to decrease for a bit but it’s definitely back. I am a radio announcer and sometimes I am unable to get through a sentence without feeling like I’m going to choke. On my prescription bottle it states that this medication may cause a dry cough. I didn’t notice it when I first got the prescription filled. At least the Atenolol rash went away.
Iain M.
It took a week, but the cough has gone. I actually got a full nights sleep.
What a relief.
:)
S. Michaels
I was also put on Lisinopril about 4 months ago, and have just now put the two together. The tickle in the throat and cough began almost immediately after I began the medication. I would also tear up and cough till I felt like gagging. It does interfere with sleep unless I am just totally exhausted, in which case I’m unconscious anyway. I am going to check with my doctor about a switch as well. Good luck all…..
I MacMillan
Just a follow-up:
I’ve been given [as a replacement for 5 mg Lisinoprol] 150 mg Aprovel.
The ‘possible’ side effects sound interesting.
I may post again from time to time to let you know how I get on.
I MacMillan
I’m on Lisinoprol [and Atenolol], and the cough is killing me. I’m not getting any sleep. As soon as I get a hint of sleep, the coughing starts, and when I’m awake, I cough, and cough and cough. It’s humiliating.
I am so glad to read that the cough might be this drug, so I’ll go to the Doctor A.S.A.P to have it changed, but really, from researching… I had no idea it was so common.
I don’t exaggerate when I say the cough is ‘killing’ me.
dj
Yes I have to agree with everyone about Lisinopril. My doctor just added this drug to my other high blood pressure pill. And I have been doing nothing but coughing since. It keeps me up at night. I have a constant tickle in my throat that drive me nuts!!! When I see my doctor again, I will certainly mentioned this to her. I’ve never had this problem with my other medication.
KLB
Why does Lisinopril make me cough? It’s the only drug I’ve been on that has lowered my blood pressure so I don’t want to quit taking it but this coughing is ridiculous! I’m going though a pack of cough drops every single day.
ncm
I was on HCTZ for a couple of years and my doctor changed me to Lisinopril a month ago. That’s when I started my cough. It’s like a tickle in my throat. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I go to the doctor this week and will be asking him to change me back to HCTZ. I never had the problem with HCTZ.
M B
I have had the coughing exprience with lisinopril until I blacked out and hit the floor. Its about time these medication improve, reference to these ridiculous side effects.
dy
I took lisinopril for a few months and then began coughing. I didn’t think it was the drug since it was spring and I thought I must have an allergy to something.
The cough was getting worse each day. It was really bad at bedtime too. I have never been so miserable as the cough became more persistant and violent. I threw up 3 times from coughing so hard. I had a constant headache from coughing.
I lived on sugar free cough drops. I was scared that something was really wrong with me. I told my doctor and he said to stop taking the lisinopril and the cough should go away in 8-10 days or so if it is the lisinopril that is causing the cough.
The coughing began to subside within a few days. On the 8th day the cough stopped. The doctor told me that my blood pressure was not any lower either. So it was totally the wrong drug for me. On the other hand, my sister takes this drug too but without any side affects and it also lowers her BP.
L.L.
I’ve been on lisinopril for about 4 months and the cough is driving me crazy. It feels like I have a piece of dust caught in my throat and I have to cough to clear it. The drug is working well, but I can’t stand the cough. I’m curious if anyone else has this same type of symptom (dust in throat). I’m going to ask to be taken off lisinopril to see if that makes the cough go away.
M.E.
I was on Altace for 10 years. Had no problem with coughing. I was put on lisinopril as I was taking the max dose of Altace and it no longer was effective. I’ve been on lisinopril for about 8 years and am now 65. I started with the dry cough about a year ago. It isn’t too bad but has twice caused me to tear-up and leave a room filled with people. Lisinopril is very effective for me and I’d hate to switch. Can this cough be harmful at my age? Tk u.
LY
Oh sure. Same story. I developed this dry “tickling in the throat cough” right around the time my Doc diagnosed me with HTN and put me on Altace. I am a smoker, but had never had a cough like this. I would cough and cough until I would gag and throw up at work into my trashcan because the coughing would just come on so suddenly I didn’t have time to make it to the ladies room. I even had to carry a small trash bag in my car because i was so afraid that I would throw up during my commute to and from work. Well, I didn’t tell the doctor about this, but I did get him to give me another med. Lisinopril, and am still having the same problem. I know I will have to stop them and see MD for something else
drnjd
ACE (angiontesin converting enzymes) inhibitors (lisinopril, most -pril ending meds) are a class of medicine that work by inhibiting an enzyme called angiontensin. This enzyme prevents a cascade of effects from occuring that would normally cause vasoconstriction at the kidney level, thereby preventing blood pressure from rising. Surprisingly, lungs and kidneys are closely related because one of those enzymes is converted by the lungs, which then effects the kidneys–which ultimately controls your blood pressure.
Unfortunately, during this conversion at the lungs, another enzyme is activated called BRADYKININ, which is proinflammatory, and can irritate and stimulate cough. Therefore ACE inhibitors can produce dry cough. About 20% of people experience the cough associated with ACE inhibitors. They are extremely effective with blood pressure control, and have a kidney protective effect.
If you experience cough that is intolerable to you, you can ask your physician to consider switching you to a class called ARBs, or angiotensin receptor blockers, which are not associated with a cough due to their different mechanism of action.
brm
For several years, I have been on lisinopril to control blood pressure. During that time, I have also had many lingering coughs after colds, some coughs lasting over a month. Does lisinopril produce a susceptibility to coughs, even when the dry cough reaction which can be a side effect of this drug, has not appeared?
barbara knight
I was informed of a possible cough when the doctor prescribed the Quenorectic for me. I have started the cough and do not feel it is because of illness. I want to know what exactly happens when the BP meds cause a cough? Do you swell internally? What happens in your body? thanks, BK
mm
I took lisinopril for about a month. I developed the nagging dry cough, it was very bothersome. While out of town on a trip, I fainted. The ER docs said I was dehydrated–I think the lisinopril was part of the problem. When I got back into town, I told my regular doc I did not want to take lisinopril anymore. He said the problem with the cough was enough to take me off of it.
Faye
I have been on HCTZ 25 mg for approximately 2 years. Several months ago, I developed a persistant cough. My ENT doctor has tried several things, even treated me for acid reflux. I have no other symptoms, just the cough. Could this be caused by the HCTZ?
Joan
I can attest that when I reported coughing, my doctor switched me from Lisinopril to HCTZ. Much, much better. Thanks.
Sheila Anne Henderson
This concerns the coughing that might be associated with some of the Rx drugs mentioned. I wrote last week that ALTACE bothered my husband, his sister and me. (HERE is where generics MIGHT, again, be proven different, maybe?) WHEN my husband was placed on enalopril, a generic, his coughing stopped. WE BOTH are now on Diovan. HE is still on enalopril (his Rx is for kidney protection, as well as BP, his doctor said).
sheila anne
LAF
I had the exact same problem, especially with a bp/diuretic pill -(maxide, diazide) Switched to atenolol, also benicar. I knew something wasn’t right because my problem began with just a cough, no cold symptoms, and I could barely finish a sentence without coughing.
Quinn
I also take lisinopril and did cough when I first started taking it. But now, after being on it for several years, I don’t cough as much — but I do still notice it with strenuous exercise.
Sheila Anne Henderson
A few years ago my husband was put on Altace. The coughing started up “TOO SOON” and went on and on and on. His sister mentioned that when SHE had been placed on Altace she, also, started that horrid coughing. When my husband mentioned his cough to our doctor, he was placed on enalopril and the coughing finally stopped. I had the same coughing problem when on Altace.
Sheila Anne