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We are dumbfounded! No one gets out of medical school without learning about a class of blood pressure medications called ACEi (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors). These are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the pharmacy and are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. We estimate that roughly 100 million prescriptions are filled each ear for drugs like:
- Captopril (Capoten)
- Benazepril (Lotensin)
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Fosinopril (Monopril)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
- Moexipril (Univasc)
- Perindopril (Aceon)
- Quinapril (Accupril)
- Ramipril (Altace)
- Trandolapril (Mavik)
Lisinopril, for some reason, has captured physicians’ fancy. It dominates all other ACE inhibitors by a wide margin, grabbing 70,000,000 prescription annually. To give you some sense of comparison, the best selling brand name drug in America is Lipitor. At last count, it was “only” dispensed about 50 million times. That is probably why we get so many comments about lisinopril and its major complication.
One of the most common side effects of all these medications is a cough (Annals of Internal Medicine, Jan. 1, 2008; Chest [suppl], Jan, 2006). The medical literature confirms that from 5 to 35 percent of patients will develop a nasty ACE cough while taking one of these drugs. And that may be a low estimate.
ACE Cough Can Linger:
After stopping an ACEi it may take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months for the cough to finally disappear. No amount of cough medicine can quell this kind of cough. The only solution is usually to change to a completely different kind of blood pressure medication. Going from lisinopril to ramipril won’t solve the problem!
This is not rocket science, folks. This is as basic as it gets. We continue to be astonished that so many people have posted to this Web site that their physicians have not acknowledged that their cough is caused by an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril. That is like banging your thumb with a hammer and not realizing why it hurts and why the nail turns black.
Ann’s Frustration:
The most recent comment comes from Ann. We share her story with you just so you will understand that we couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried. What really worries us, though, is that if some physicians can’t seem to connect the dots when it comes to lisinopril and cough, what other drug-induced side effects are they missing? To read other comments on this ACE cough, click here.
“I too have all the symptoms everyone else is complaining about. I work in the school system and have these horrible attacks of coughing. All of sudden my eyes start watering, nose starts running and the uncontrollable cough starts and I spit up a clear phlegm. I contemplated retiring this year because of this.
“I never get any satisfaction from my doctor on this. I was told I had asthma, bronchitis, allergies and maybe acid reflux. Never was I told it could be lisinopril.
“I have taken several other high blood pressure meds and had the same results. The worst part is that doctors dismiss this as a trivial problem and make you feel like you are just a complainer.
“It is severe when it disrupts your life like this. I also thought it could be my nerves and am now absolutely positive that my ungodly coughing is due to a side effect of my medicine. I personally would rather take my chances and die of a heart attack then to live my life like this.
“Thank you all for your info.
Ann, 4-24-10
Ann should not have to choose between controlling her blood pressure and putting up with a horrific ACE cough. There are many other types of blood pressure pills that won’t necessarily cause coughing. Her doctor should be willing to try some of them.
You can learn more about such medications (as well as some nondrug approaches) in our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment. Others may be interested in our discussion of how to get doctors to acknowledge side effects and take action, found in our book, Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.
Mathew
UK NHS GP patient here…
I “deliberately stopped complying” with my Ramipril regime, during Covid, as I was working ‘at-place-of-work’ through the lockdowns, and Ramipril was having a major worklife/socio-economic impact on me.
Basically, was coming into work with a Ramipril cough, and being sent home to isolate for 10 days, rinse and repeat.
When restrictions eased, but fully weren’t gone, and we were not in lockdowns, but still distancing in the way out of the pandemic, my workplace had a compulsory testing policy while lateral flow tests were still free. My coughing brought my testing frequency from twice weekly, to daily, as I was being reactively tested, for something I did not have.
Thankfully, life is near normal now, but I HATE that drug, as it nearly took away my livelihood, took away my liberty, and subjected me to unnecessary invasive swab tests.
I have mentioned this to my GP on two separate occasions, when I get moaned at for refusing to refill my Ramipril, and have been told that I’m talking rubbish, and he’s never heard of Ramipril causing a cough. I was dismissed!!
My GP practice has been hounding me again the past few days, by SMS, sent by the E-Consult (E-Consult is another waste of time/public money, and another patient gatekeeper, but not going into that here) about a BP check, and my medication compliance..
I refuse to take them. GP didn’t listen twice. If GP is going to force them on me again, I’ll just get the script filled and refill as required, but not actually take them!!
General Practice does not acknowledge that:
1) This is a common side effect
2) Giving someone a cough, through a coughing pandemic, has socio-economic effects, which means the patient will not comply, or even become hostile to medication.
Stella
I have been on Lisinopril for 3 years, had a minor cough and told my doctor. Now 3 years later I have developed this horrible cough, and an urgent care doctor took me off lisinopril immediately. I was told my cough was due to acid reflux, also that I had developed a minor case of asthma. I have been treated for acid reflux but still have a bad cough. I have changed my diet to treat my acid reflux and lost 16 pounds, the only positive part. Going in for a scan of my esophagus.
All this because of medication for hypertension. Basically nobody has confirmed that this cough is due to lisinopril, so I still have this horrible cough that seems to appear at the worst times. Found this website after a lot of search on the internet and was hoping there was a cough medicine that could help, but reading of other peoples battles has eased my mind.
With the COVID going on, when my coughing fit starts, people look at me like I have the plague.
Julia
Absolutely right. I was prescribed inhalers and anti-histamine. My own research led me to Ramapril. Have stopped, but still coughing up a storm. It affects all interactions, both social and work. Also I have been diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency after two years of weight loss and stomach problems. It is clearly linked to my autoimmune condition, yet I have suffered for 2 years without any clinician joining the dots despite gastroenterology and 5 days on cancer track. Suggest to all to do own research and offer thanks for articles like this one.
Dave
Hi,
I’m on Ramipril 2.5mg to protect my kidneys as a type 1 diabetic. I have been taking this same dose for about 15 years – but after 12 years I started to suffer uncontrollable coughing fits, to the point of spasms and vomiting. The doctor said it was hayfever (which I have never suffered before), and after trying all the vacuuming, antihistamines and anti-allergy bedding I stopped taking Ramipril, and it cleared up within a few days.
When I started again a couple of months later the cough came back – and I repeated that another couple of times. A weird thing is that the coughing fits only start when I am taking Ramipril and sleep in the bedroom. If I switch to the lounge downstairs the coughing subsides. So I think it’s like the side effect makes my cough reflex too sensitive, and there is some difference in humidity or temperature or CO2 (or something) between the air in the two rooms.
Helene
34695
Just 6 months of Lisinopril left me with bronchitis x2 and subsequently taking steroids and antibiotics. Loaded with chest mucous, box of tissues every other day. MD denied it was from Lisinopril. Her nurse did chest x-ray, recommended chest CT scan. Showed scar tissue from inflammation. A NEW FINDING, never had positive chest x-ray before. Now on Losartan, still terrific sinus allergy symptoms that started when first prescribed, but MD does not feel it’s related. Sent to allergist instead. Physicians are not listening and believing their patients, prescribing without adequate research..
Niko
Seattle
My doctor prescribed lisinopril, and almost immediately I started having a terrible, wracking cough. In pharmacy tech class we were taught about the side effects of ACEi drugs, and since mine wasn’t a dry cough, I thought it was my seasonal allergies acting up (I have post nasal drip). But my allergies had never been this bad, and I took my trusty loratadine as I have for years, added fluticasone and Sudafed, and drank lots of water. Yet I continued to the choking and regurgitating because the cough was so harsh. It’s like the lisinopril put the mucus machine in overdrive.
I decided to quit the lisinopril and see what would happen. Now, about 2-3 weeks later, I’m slightly better but still having to frantically motion for a coworker to relieve me from the pharmacy counter, in front of a line of people, because I’m having a coughing/choking fit. It’s super-embarrassing for me and does not inspire confidence with customers. Nights are the worst because of the reclining position. The only thing that even slightly relieves the cough is water, and I continue to drink lots of it during my shift, causing the need to pee every hour and always wear a bladder leakage pad. I haven’t slept throughout the night for almost two months due to the coughing, and I’m tired all the time. Now I’m waiting to schedule another appointment with my doctor for a medication change, likely an ARB.
Kate
Washington
I was on Lisinopril and developed a cough after a week. The cough warning is on the bottle. Tried reducing the dose but the cough kept getting worse. I kept a diary of the coughing and it was massive fits every two hours lasting 10 minutes or so day and night. The cough starts like a tickle in the throat that develops into full blown debilitating coughing fit and for me, some kind of phlegm. My throat and voice were raw from it. It’s embarrassing because you can’t control it and it happens everywhere and constantly, day and night. It started to change my voice. I tried iron supplements and honey to suppress it and neither worked. My dentist said he was on it and got off it because of the cough. I think more people develop the cough than big pharma admits. The British Medical Journal reported ACE inhibitors increase the risk of lung cancer through the build-up of bradykinin and substance P in the lung (which causes the bronchospasms). I am with others that posted they’d rather risk a heart attack then suffer a constant debilitating cough.
Karen
NY
My doctor switched me to linisopril when my current medication was recalled. After a week I developed a nasty cough and very irritated throat. I have acid reflux so at first I thought it was that. After 4 weeks I’m still coughing/hacking/vomiting, and I can’t lie down to sleep nor do I sleep through the night sitting up. I can’t stay awake at work. I did some research, and it seems linisopril is actually the problem. I called my doctor, and she switched me to something else (can’t remember name). Just wish I’d done it sooner.
Ann H.
Canada
It is 4:30pm, and I have been coughing savagely since 5:30 am. I woke up with the cough, as I have countless times since I started Lisinopril about a year ago. The Cardio ignored my complaints until I called her to say that I am going off it today and will instead increase my Labetalol 100 from 2x daily to 3x daily. She said okay.
I have been on 25 or more different pills, and I am not responsive to all of them. Finally, an “Aha” moment. She said I had to have some kidney tests. Seems I have had a kidney problem for a long time, and it is driving my BP up. I think I will be going on diaylsis because the other option, which is a stent in the artery leading to the kidneys, is too dangerous now. Holy smokes!
Kirk
Canada
So grateful I found this thread. I was on Viacoram, a combination BP medication that contains amlodipine and perindopril. Originally prescribed 10mg which didn’t seem have any success lowering BP. Cardiologist increased dosage to 20mg, and I started with what seemed to be a dry cough that persisted and worsened over several weeks. The cough I can only describe as a violently rough cough with body trying to vomit but nothing comes after which eyes are watery and I’m really shaken up. Worried I turned to the internet for clues and found this thread. I thought I had some other complication and never made the link with BP medication.
I stopped taking Viacoram and within a few days cough became less frequent and less disruptive. Scheduling follow-up with cardiologist to switch to something else there’s no way I am taking that crap Viacoram again.
NannyPatty
Oklahoma
Each one of these “stories” could be mine. I’ve a few issues with being exhausted all the time even though my job is not strenuous. I’m 68 years old and had been on a beta blocker. My dr said that I was mildly hypothyroid and I tried the NP thyroid med which made me feel worse and it smelled like something dead in a pill bottle.
I stopped that completely. When my last refill came due and I had to make a face to face appt, I asked about stopping my atenolol. My doc put me on Benazapil and started me on the name brand ArmourThyroid. I began to feel better but after one month on the Ace, I started horrible coughing. I thought it was allergies until I began researching ACEi.
I went without for 3-4 days and the coughing let up. I took one more and the coughing started all over again with a vengeance. Now, I’m not taking anything for bld pressure. I’m just going to watch it and if my pressure goes up, I’ll talk to my dr.
Charles
South Carolina
I developed a cough after being on Lisinopril after being on it for several years. The cough was constant and almost debilitating. I brought up that issue to my doctor after researching (really internet searching).
She noted that in her practice the cough develops eventually for about 30% of users despite some claims of only 5-10% of occurrence. Wish she had spent some time discussing this risk with me from the time of the first prescription.
The aggravation is that it took some time to lose the cough using another class of BP medicine that I had to go through 3 more types of medicines before I had the right one.
Sally
UK
I was put on Ramipril in the Hospital in May, 2018 and literally within one – two hours developed a cough which began almost choking me, it was so harsh. I didn’t have a cold or flu or chest problems before that day. I came out of hospital with this cough, and it has continued to ‘choke’ me and has even started to wake me up when I am in a dead sleep in the night. It comes on so suddenly without warning, and when that happens, my eyes stream, and my voice is diminished as if I have choked on onion vinegar. It clears after a few minutes but it really shakes up my head and heart rate for a few minutes.
What else can I go on if all the other ACE inhibitors do the same thing? Do I have to have another ACE Inhibitor or can I have some other bp medication which isn’t an ACE Inhibitor? (I can’t take Amlodipine because it caused my left ankle to swell tremendously, and I have always had very thin legs and ankles but Amlodipine made me feel as though I had a tight band around my foot and ankle.) So what else would be suitable in place of Amlodipine or Ramipril?
Cathy
Ephrata PA
I started Lisinopril May 1 and developed a cough the first week of June. I knew nothing about the ACE cough until I was searching online for a solution. Every day it became worse until I was waking up every 2 hours at night. I am exhausted and fight to stay awake at work. Today I switched to Losartan and am hopeful this will resolve the problem.
I volunteer as a theater usher and having coughing spasms every hour require running for the exit several times during the shows.
Virginia
Montana
Hi Cathy, I’m curious to know if switching to Losartan helped you. I started Lisinopril on October 11. Two weeks later (yesterday), and at my request, my doctor switched me to Losartan, due to the cough. I hoping that because I was only taking Lisinopril for two weeks, the coughing would subside immediately, so it’s just a waiting game. Did your cough ultimately go away completely, and if so, how long did that take? Thanks.
Patricia
Home
My husband has white coat syndrome. His BP spikes every time he sees his doctor. Because of that they put him on lisinopril and he now has ACEi cough. When he’s home his BP is normal. The cough is driving him crazy. He’s been off lisinopril for 1 week and we are praying the cough clears up soon.
Pam
Georgia
Thank you so much I thought I was dying really….have been on lisinopril for years and got this awful awful cough….my pharmacist (bless her heart) told me it was the lisinopril and it can occur even if you have taken lisinopril for years….reading what other have posted on your website is an encouragement to me as I am so weary from this hacking cough….THANK YOU AGAIN! now I KNOW my smart pharmacist is correct!!!
Dave
UK
The reason doctors don’t want to change it is because they know it’s proven to be effective and safe otherwise for BP. The cough isn’t going to do anything but make you suffer. But they can’t get in trouble for that really.
Now . . . say they change you to something else like an ARB, and something goes wrong, or maybe they have to refer you to a cardiologist, and so on and so on. They take the easy way out and ignore your cough. Anytime you don’t understand what a doctor is doing think about their liability and workload vs your complaint.
John
UK
I was a medical rep. I started in 1967 and my company had an antihypertensive based on rauwolfia serpentina. The mail side effect was depression. There were some suicides. Other drugs were methyldopa and ganglion blockers. Cardiologists that I spoke to suggested that 100+age in years was OK for systolic pressure, and 85 diastolic, the point of starting treatment. I am 84 now and my GP now suggests that systolic pressure should be as low as possible. I try to keep up with the modern medicine, and it seems that systolic pressure is governed by the elasticity of the “great vessels” The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is called the “pulse pressure”, and as this happens every beat, it seems that the bigger the pulse pressure,the more dangerous it is.
Monica Calderon
California
I took Lisinopril for two months, and I had severe coughing especially in the morning and at night. I would awaken from a dead sleep with coughing. Anyone that was around me when I was coughing would tell me that I have bronchitis and that I should go see the doctor for my cough. The side effects that I was experiencing were: heavy cough, very dry throat (I felt like I had a corn skin stuck in between my tonsils which was causing me to cough). I also had a lot of phlegm and severe tiredness. I would just sit down anywhere and fall asleep, I had no energy to do anything.
It’s been two weeks since I asked my doctor to change me from Lisinopril, and I feel 80% better. I’m not tired. I’m caughing very little, still at night and in the morning (I have to sleep with a cough drop in my mouth). I still feel like I have pieces of something stuck on the back of my throat but it’s not as severe as when I was on Lisinopril.
After reading the information regarding this drug I am amazed doctors still use it. The quality of life that I had while on Lisinopril was horrible, and I just don’t understand why, after knowing these side effects, doctors still continue to use it. Unbelievable.
Susan
FL
Hi, I took Lisinopril almost three years ago. I developed a really nasty cough, and immediately my doctor took me off it. I still have a lingering cough today, off and on. My doctor has put me on steroids four times, about 5 sets of antibiotics since this started, prescription cough medicines, and two chest x-rays. The cough goes as quickly as it comes. I never know when it’s going to start or what is the trigger. My doctor says it has nothing to do with the Lisinopril whatsoever, but it is the exact same cough with the exact same symptoms. Every BP medicine I’ve had has given me really bad side effects to where I’m not even taking medication for it now. Any ideas or suggestions?
Susan
Klara
Atlanta
I want to put in a good word for lisinopril. I have been taking it for 2 years and it is wonderful. It has lowered my blood pressure just like it is supposed to. I also sleep better since taking it. I really believe my elevated blood pressure was making it hard to get to sleep at night. Yes, my doctor did warn me that I might develop a cough from taking it, but so far, this hasn’t happened.
Debra L
Kentucky
Be careful that cough can develop after being on the meds for years with no problems.
Sharon
Phoenix
My cardiologist has been treating me for high blood pressure for several years. All of a sudden my pressure spiked for no clear reason. I was already taking 3 bp lowering drugs which included losartan. My doctor prescribed an added drug, lisinopril hctz. At the pharmacy, my pharmacist noticed I was taking losartan and told me that losartan and lisinopril should not both be taken due to a serious drug interaction. I went ahead and bought the Lisinopril but did not take any until I spoke to my cardiologist’s nurse. I also verified the losartan/Lisinopril interaction myself on WebMD. I told the nurse about the pharmacist’s warning (3 times before I left the store) and the nurse became very defensive claiming that my doctor knows I take losartan and knows my history and is prescribing what he thinks is best for me. She said pharmacists do this all the time but that the doctor knows best. This puts the patient in a terrible position. Personally, I think this is my life and I have a responsibility to protect myself and now I find myself questioning if I can trust my cardiologist.
Jean
Illinois
I was on Lisinopril for 2 1/2 years before I developed a cough. My dr felt that the cough was related to Lisinopril and switched me to a different bp med. It took a couple of months before I noticed much change in the coughing, but it finally mostly went away. In the meantime, my dr had me undergo a bunch of testing to eliminate other causes and sent me to see a pulmonary dr. I had a breathing test which I passed with no problems, but dr wanted to put me on another medication. Started taking the other medication and after being on it for a few weeks, the cough was back. I looked up the medication and it is the number #2 listed for causing a cough, right under Lisinopril!! After being almost cough-free, I’m back to coughing so hard that I am miserable all the time. Like another poster said, I would rather take my chances without the meds than to live like this.
Dee
Texas
I had the hacking, cough day and night. I would have coughing sessions that were so bad I would throw up. I was prescribed cough meds but nothing worked. I ran out of my medicine and didn’t get it filled right away, and the cough went away after months of suffering! As soon as I started lisinopril again, the cough started again. I went to my doctor to get her to switch meds. She wanted to give me two new meds for the cough and send me to a pulmonologist. I don’t have that doctor or the cough any more!!!
Tom
MO
Something is wrong with doctors period and We have lost their trust..
Are you the same age as me? do you weigh the same? are you in same physical condition? Are your blood vessels as thick or thin as mine? how about your heart-does it pump like new one or worn out one. Do you get my point yet??
To tell an 80 year old and 20 year old their blood pressure should be the same is NUTS !!!!! I see people here taking this crap and they say their BP is 108/60????? I firmly believe you -me- that guy across the street will have different BP all our lives because we are not the same. I see on these forums all the time the same exclamation—I felt just fine until I started this medication…I see one person on here talking about her 97 year old mother being told to take the stuff..
GET REAL people she lived 97 years without it. She has probably better info than the doctor.. We need many forums like this it really helps people..
Erin
Nova Scotia, Canada
I was prescribed Viacoram, and developed the chronic cough shortly after. I first put the cough to the cold that my husband and daughter had at the time but it continued, and I never developed a cough. After 5 weeks I couldn’t take it anymore and as soon as I mentioned it my doctor took me off of it. It’s only been 5 days since Ive been off if but the coughing now is bringing up large amounts of clear frothy phlegm. From research Ive done it could be 4 weeks to 3 months before my cough disappears.
zena
canada
the cough is due to fact that ace inhibitor is made from snake venom. and the body is trying to get rid of the poison by expelling it through lungs… hence the continuous cough… do not believe me???? read on it .. seriously
Jude
Manchester
I have been on ramipril 2.5 4 years now since having a stent fitted my appetite decreased and I had the cough just hacking up mucus discovered I had a deviated septum but still cough daily I came off them for 2 weeks felt better but gp advised me to take them I feel I am suffering from taking these I don’t enjoy meals now
Nicola
Scotland
I was prescribed Ramipril 2.5mg in December. After a couple of weeks I developed the dreaded dry cough. I, like many others, thought this was because of a cold and let it go. After 5 weeks I decided to speak to my pharmacist. Right away the pharmacist advised that I go back to my GP and insist on being taken off the Ramipril (ACE) and be put on an ARB. The pharmacist explained how the cough develops due to the build up of kinins in the body. ACEs are the first level of treatment. In other words the least expensive. ARBs are the second level and, although they do the same job, they leave out the part of the process which causes the cough. My GP didn’t even see me. He changed me right on to Losartan 50mg, following a telephone conversation. Not even a week has passed, and already I notice a difference. From now on I am telling everybody about this. Most people would not make the medication link and suffer in silence, or their relatives suffer in silence due to that annoying cough!!
Marilyn
Michigan
I was on lisinopril for a long time at 10 mg and had no problems. But, when I needed more, my doctor put me on 20 mg. About the same time I started coughing. What I read somewhere online was that the symptoms of cough would not worsen no matter what dosage you were on. Has anyone had a similar experience?
Bill
Charlotte, NC
I’ve had the same experience many others have had. I was borderline HBP and my primary care put me on Lisinopril. Cough began within days. I called and was given another ACE Inhibitor and still the cough continued. After two months of coughing I went back and explained what was happening. I was told to “deal with it” for another few weeks as he didn’t think it was worth stopping the drug for. I am frustrated and angry.
John
Denver, CO USA
I was prescribed Lisinopril about 3 months ago. Within 2 weeks of beginning the medication I developed a cough. Because I also got a cold at the same time, and 2 more colds in the next few months, I thought maybe the cough COULD be due to those illnesses. Luckily, I thought enough of it to mention it to my doctor last week. He immediately said that it was probably a side-effect of the Lisinopril, told me to quit taking it, and prescribed a different type of medication for my blood pressure.
I’ve found this article today because I’m curious how much longer the cough will last. I have spent the better part of 2 hours searching for the answer via Google. Thank you for being the only ones to even address the question about how long the cough will last.
Patricia
Australia
I was prescribed Lisinopril in the UK about 8 years ago. Around the same time I developed a dry cough that was sometimes so violent it caused nosebleeds and incontinence. I did not make a connection between the cough and Lisinopril. I have just been advised by my GP in Australia to double the dose to 10 mg as I have some protein in my urine. I noticed on the new pack not to take potassium supplements with the medication. This led me to investigate further the side effects of Lisinopril and so to this site. It’s only now that I can make the connection between the cough and Lisinopril. I wonder now where I go from here. Any suggestions please?
Susan
NC
I have been on lisinipril for a couple of years prophylactic for DM, I don’t have HTN. I have the cough, N&V fatigue. Have been to a couple of physicians as well as prescribing PCP and no one has associated my symptoms with lisinipril. My normal B/P is 95/60. Lisinipril is going in trash tonight
Jill
USA
A few years back my husband took lisinopril and developed such a horrific cough, then I was given it in October 2017. The cough started right away…and I didn’t put it together at first — I’ve been on three antibiotics, three cough syrups, quite literally have been coughing almost four months straight…the kind of cough that has people in public backing away and my family sick of listening to it.
I cough until I either gag or wet my pants…seriously! Finally thought … could it be the lisinopril? Been off the med now about one week. Slow process as my chest still hurts and I’m still coughing. When I lay down at night, it starts right up. Clear mucus like phlegm too. It’s a wee bit better but I had no idea I might have up to a couple more months of this…..gads…it’s literally exhausted me all this feeling like I’m hacking up a lung. This drug sucks!
Judith
NC
ACE meds are not the only ones to cause angioedema; calcium channel blockers can do that, too. After two trips trips to urgent care for swelling of my tongue and lips, an ER doctor diagnosed the problem. It was my BP med, Diltiazem, which I had been taking for 12 years. My doctor switched me to another med in the same family, and my tongue swelled again. Now I am on HCTZ; and hope that by losing weight, I can get off that, too.
mark
south carolina
My heart doctor put me on lisinopril/hctz 20-12.5 mg tab leg. I have been on it for about 3 weeks now. I started having a bad cough. My chest is hurting feels like pressure on it. my heart is fast then slow. Can I just stop taking this pill? I feel like I am going have a heart attack.
tuppence
USA
So grateful for this website. Started lisinopril about five months ago, but had a very bad cold through December that I thought was the cause of the cough — even though I knew the cough had started earlier. Sleep through the night? Not since taking it. Wake up wanting a cough drop or water or both. Cough through the day. I’m quitting that horrid drug today. I’m only slightly overweight and that can come off. I learned before that hard physical work lowered my bp. It’s time to get back to life.
Tom
NY
I was prescribed Lisinopril a couple of months ago and I got “the cough” pretty much the next day. I didn’t make anything of it and expected that I would get used to the meds but then 2 weeks ago my GP doubled my dosage. Over the following week, every day got worse and worse to the point that I could not breathe, my chest was hurting as was my throat and I was generating tons of clear discharge from my nose.
I went to my ENT, she examined me and found that everything was clear and she agreed that I was having some sort of allergic reaction. The coughing fits became continuous around the clock and my chest hurt so much that I was going to go to the ER but decided to stop the lisinopril after researching it and coming to the conclusion that the ER would do the same. This escalated so severely in this past week that I felt as if I was going to die.
I found that the coughing almost stopped completely within the next 4-6 hours. I am not using it again and further researching the substitute I was prescribed before I restart it. This is a nasty little pill and will take diet and exercise extremely seriously to try to avoid this and all other meds.
Kathleen
Birmingham, AL
I cannot believe that any of my doctors have diagnosed my cough due to Lisinipril. I’ve been suffering for months, can’t sleep at night or have a conversation without this violent coughing. Finally my internist’s nurse practitioner figured it out. I hope it wont take months to go away
Rene
Florida
On October 13, 2017 I was prescribed Lisinopril (5 mg) for high blood pressure to be taken one tablet each day. A few days later I started to have dry cough which increased in severity over time. After taking the pill for more than a month, I stopped taking the medication for ten days and at the same time monitored my blood pressure. On the eleventh day, my blood pressure rose again (165/110) so I resumed taking the medication. The cough worsened to the extent that I am coughing all day and I am not able to sleep at night and my chest hurts because of forceful coughing. I have decided three days ago to quit taking this medication for good. I still have the severe cough and will see my physician tomorrow.
Doris
California
My husband started coughing a month ago- He hasn’t stopped since. Cardiologist who put him on lisineprol didn’t connect the two. He went to a pulmonologist who said it might be the lisineprol. He eliminated other causes and seems convinced that it’s the lisineprol . He stopped taking it 5 days ago but is still coughing . He is really suffering. It’s hard to believe that his cardiologist who is connected to one of the top hospitals in the country didn’t recognize the connection.
chuck
illinois
I was told by my MD’s nurse, “A 10-minute coughing jag is no reason to stop ‘pril’.”
Oh really? Were it due to chain-smoking, what would the directive be? Of course—QUIT SMOKING. My BP has been 118-124 over 75-80 for YEARS. I’ll survive w/o a med whose side-effect is worse than what it’s supposed to cure.
Jacky
Maryland
I’ve been coughing for months. After Zpacks, Steroids & numerous OTC cough syurps, I went back to the doctor. Today she decided the cough is from the Lisinopril. People need to be made aware of this side effect before taking Lisinopril.
Heather L.
Toronto, Ontario
I have been thinking about this more. These meds pull water from your system to lower your blood pressure. That is why they make you pee a lot. Could it be pulling the water into your lungs causing the cough. Basically causing symptoms of dry drowning. The mucus that does come up once in a while is very watery. That is what got me thinking it is pulling the water into your lungs not just your kidneys.
Judy
Minnesota
I started Lisinopril for high blood pressure 1year ago . The coughing started shortly after, but since l had an encarcerated esophageal hernia and surgery for it the year before , the way the esophagus was put back together was blamed for the cough and l was given a lidocaine &malox mixture to help . That worked great, kind of numbs the throat.
However, the last couple months, it’s lost its effects, so I tried stopping the lisinopril and replaced it with a higher dosage of one of my other BP meds- l take 3 and stopping the one caused BP to rise . After 2 weeks the cough was no better so l went back to my old BP regime. Have the same symptoms as people on this site. Will wake up in the night feeling like something has grabbed my esophagus, have that constant tickling, have people thinking l am really choking if it happens around others ,l too avoid eating out,trips with others, meetings ,etc.
After reading how long it can take to go away after the drug is stopped l will try it again. Was at Urgent Care today again, getting no answer, just a steroid for inflammation and some coughing pills. I am so tired of this, just worn out . I am 70 and this is ruined my life. I am so glad I found this site now I know I am not crazy!!
David
Malta europe
Hello all, my name is David and I am a podiatrist. I have had this cough for the past 2 or 3 months and although I should know better, it was a patient of mine that made me realize that it is caused by my coversyl tablets!
Believe me, I am 53 years old and this cough has made me feel like I am 100 years old, and made it very tough to do my work with patients! It’s a terrible cough and it has ruined my life for the past months! From tomorrow, no more coversyl and I will see with my Dr what else I can take but no more ACE inhibitors!
Lisa
OK
I take Lisinopril and have coughed for over 2 yrs since starting it. My doctor sent me to an ENT dr who ran a scope through my nose and down my throat. Says it looked fine other than irritation down low from my acid reflux so I needed to have an EGD. Says my cough is either stemming from acid reflux or just a habit. He felt it was more habit than anything medical.
So, I leave feeling like an idiot, never heard from my regular doctor and haven’t seen anyone since. That was over 6 months ago…..Im still coughing, still taking Lisinopril plus a sinus pill to help control the cough. Was shocked to find that cough is a side affect of Lisinopril….haven’t even bothered going to dr to let him know what he should have know from the start! Annoyed!?
Jejurah
California
I’ve read so many articles on this unfortunate cough. I took Lisinopril for 5 weeks now one year ago for high blood pressure caused by being in pain after a surgery. I took it reluctantly and the Dr promised to take me off it as soon as my blood pressure lowered. Unbeknownst to me, the slight cough turned quickly to heavy, causing vomiting, unable to sleep unless sitting, sore throat, now a change in voice, inability to sing as before, always whenever it wants to rear its ugly head.
I initially went through a barrage of tests for my lungs with such titles as asthma being added to my charts. After research found out myself and confirmed with the lung specialist, Dr, and pharmacist that yes it could be the Lisinopril… I stopped it.
Now, ONE YEAR LATER, and this cough and its symptoms still plague me. I just tried to lay down and sleep and again it caused me to vomit. My throat is in pain, my lungs feel, best I can describe, is like a case of athletes foot…crawling burning just enough to be very bothersome, stressed breathing because the cough is right there…Have tried all the remedies, ex: iron, probiotics, kefir, prescription cough medicine
(Made it worse and added symptoms) COUGH DROPS IN A YEAR MORE THAN 10 TIMES THE AMOUNT EVER TAKEN IN MY LIFE.
Please…anyone…I find stories with people 10 years later STILL suffering from the cough. If renal function is low, as claimed by some sources, isn’t there some natural way to get the kinins OUT of my lungs? Now, if I get a cold, it immediately goes and makes the cough so much worse.
I fear now it’s like it’s set off what I find called hypersensitivity pneumonitis…which is now aggravated by any ex: air conditioners, wind, cold, drinking water, smells, and then its mind of its own. So exasperated. Don’t want to go back to the Dr to be put through unnecessary testing again…but if it continues, seems it can advance to worse things. WANT A NATURAL SOLUTION. BEGGING FOR RESULTS YOU’VE HAD THAT SEEMED EFFECTIVE. Sorry so long…
Teresa
NC
I too have that racking cough!! I’ve been on Lisinopril for about 3,1/2 mths. I never know when it will hit!! Nighttime is really bad as it causes me to gag and vomit, generally nothing more than a clear sticky saliva.
I’ve also been having problems with bad cramps in my right hand and leg!!
Donna
uhrichsville, ohio
I just talked to a Lady today at the Doctors Office and she said her husband took Lisinopril for 7 years and suffered with the cough. Finally quit taking it and got switched to a different blood pressure pill. But, she said he had to have surgery and the Docyor went through his back to get to the Lungs and had to scrap them because of the kinins from Lisinopril, and something about the result of it all made calcium build up onto his Lungs from it.
So, they had to go in and scrap it off. I have been on Lisinopril for about 4-5 months and got really bad coughing in the last week or so. I had been having a cough here and there. But didn’t realize it was from the Lisinopril until I had went to the Doctor last week. Was diagnosed with Bronchitis and Bronchiospasms, ,
Nothing changed withe the meds they gave me and I was getting worse.
Went back this week, and I found out about the Lisinopril so had taken it 3 days before going back to Doctors, and was already starting to notice a difference in my cough not being as bad. I still have it, but it is clearing up little by little every day.
Jack
Canada
I too had a long term cough and my doctor suggested that I try Mylan- Candesarten and the cough stopped I’ve been on this for the last 2 years
Karen
Irvine, CA
I was given Lisinopril by my primary care physician without consultation with my cardiologist. Within days I began uncontrollable spasmodic coughing. It was so severe that it caused vomiting, and completely disrupted my sleep. Seven weeks later I told my cardiologist that this medication should be used for torture. He immediately took me off Lisinopril, stated that he no longer prescibes any ACE inhibitors for his patients because of the side effects. I am now on an ARB but still suffer from uncontrollable coughing.
It is subsiding, but it has disrupted my sleep, kept me at home (no movies, no live theaters, no attending religious services). No one wants to sit near a person who is coughing uncontrollably. I have never had such a horrible drug reaction. Apparently the cough can continue for 3-4 months. I think tis class of medication should either be taken off the market or prescribed with a dire warning that it can totally disrupt your life. Counting the weeks until I am back to normal!
fiona
lincolnshire uk
I have taken Lisinopril for nearly three years and have developed an awful dry tickly cough…when it gets going I cannot stop dry coughing, it makes me feel dizzy, out of bearth and sick to the point I want to vomit. it carries on and on and my friends and work colleagues are all shocked..they keep,saying ‘you should get that looked at’ My Gp suggested a chest xray to rule out anything sinister somthis is done now and if it comes back ok he will take me off the Lisinoprill and try another.
I also take Amlodipine…an added pill to try to control the BP and I feel it makes me depressed and my face is flushed and I have very regular heartburn! I think it may take a long time to get it right. My BMI is 27 so woking on lowering that is what I am working on.
Heredirary BP is not easy to lower by simple means…sometimes younjust have it, but I am determined to find a medication that works together with healthy lifestyle. Good luck everyone!
jo
Georgia
I came back from the doctor I was put on This blood pressure medicine two weeks ago and I have developed a cough that just won’t quit and takes my breath away. I just went to the doctor this morning a new doctor and he knew right away what it was and took me off it immediately and put me on something now. I have not slept in five days and can’t wait for this cough to go away.
Carole
Modesto CA
I started on linsopril last fall and thought the accompanying cough was due to asthma! At the same time had started a new job that required long meetings. So embarassing to have to get up several times and leave the meeting to have a coughing fit. I contemplated going on disability. Doctor took me off the linsopril two weeks ago and the cough is subsiding slowly. I will never take that again!
Sherry
South Carolina
I was prescribed Lisinopril 10 mg/day and took it for about a month. I developed a cough due to a severe “tickle” in my throat within days of initiating the first dosage and assumed that it was allergies due to what seemed to be sinus drainage, watery eyes, bronchial congestion, and vomiting when I coughed. My Internist recognized my symptoms and changed me to HCTZ as she was aware of the actual cause of my cough. I have not taken Lisinopril in over two weeks and continue to have these same side effects. Nothing, including cough medicines and honey, seem to stop the cough, so I continue to try to cope with the effects which occur any time and anywhere. This is really aggravating. Why don’t physicians genome test prior to administering ACE inhibitors?
Randy
Idaho
I have been taking Lisinopril for a couple years and developed this cough about a year ago. The cough became worse about 6 month ago and then horrendous 2 months ago. I told my doctor and he immediately suggested stopping lisinopril. The cough is mostly unproductive, keeps me (and my poor wife) up most of every night.
This is the hardest, longest cough I have ever experienced, makes me dizzy and breathless. A single cough can take all the air in my lungs in one long hack! Hope it doesn’t take 4 months to subside, lack of sleep is a problem. Will ask doc about iron, but no remedy so far has any effect at all. 3/28/17
Shirley
Tulsa Ok
I am fortunate that when I went to my doctor for a thyroid check up and told him about my cough he said that it was the Lisinopril and changed my prescription to Metroprolol but after reading the side effects I have decided to ask for something else. Metroprolol does not cause a cough but the other side effects can be really bad. Maybe they all have the same bad side effects but I’m hoping for one that doesn’t. My cough with the Lisinopril was just caused by an irritation in my throat that never produced anything, just a dry cough. I would cough at the most inopportune times and I would wake up several times a night coughing. Don’t really know what to do now except ask about some other med.
Dave
Pennsylvania
It is unfortunate to hear of the incredible side effects of lisinopril. I will count myself as fortunate. I only have to balance the sporadic infrequent dry cough episodes against the benefits it has yielded in my b.p., of course, but also for my lower legs and feet.
Feet used to ache and feel half dead in the morning. After a few days on lisinopril those morning symptoms disappeared. Loratadine helps reduce cough frequency a little but maybe because it takes mild allergies out of the equation.
Lorenzo
Utah
I had a routine checkup with my diabetes specialist yesterday, and we talked a little about what else i wanted to talk with him. I told him I was having this cough for more than a year now, and that i don’t know what might be causing it. he asked if it might be my linosipril and if I wanted to change to a different medicine. that caught me out of the blue.
I was not aware of any connection between my cough and the medication i had. I dismissed it and said I’ll see it it improves over the next few months. i remembered out conversation this morning and I got curious so i googled it and saw a lot of references regarding it. that was a surprise to me. We have another checkup this May, and i will probably have to ask for a new medication to replace it.
I guess the doctors ARE aware of the cough. my doctor said he could change me to a different medication, but that “it (the linosipril) is doing a great job in controlling your blood pressure, though” was his comment. they probably believe this has the best performance out of the other choices.
Bob
Bristol, UK
I have been taking Lisinopril for 6 1/2 years. I developed a cough after about 1 year. I found a couple of very obscure references to small scale experiments on the effect of iron supplements on the cough – which reported that the supplements improved the cough. Experimenting on myself, I bought a bottle of iron tonic and after a few days, my cough disappeared. Every few months I buy a bottle of tonic, take it over a week or so, and it’s been keeping my cough under control ever since. This is purely anecdotal but it might be worth trying. It might be best to take the tonic at a different time from the tablets.
carol
Australia
I was on coversyl 10mg for blood pressure, and my husband was on 5mg with no side effects. Then we changed to the generic brand Pendopril and both cough at night. My husband also has leg pains. So today I went back on Coversyl but now read on the internet that lots of people are have having side effects from that brand. What is going on???
Jen
California
What dose of the iron do you take?
Denise
WA
I have had the cough for the past ten years. I knew it was from the Losartan, but had tried several other blood pressure meds and they had other side effects. However, the cough has become increasingly worse in the past six months. I am now using my albuterol inhaler at least four or five times a day because of the phlegm the cough is creating. I am miserable. My blood pressure today was 178/106, but I am ready to stop taking this medication. Let me drop like a stone. Stick a fork in me. I’m done.
Tammy Robins
Kentucky
I have been feeling horrible for the last several months. I had been through 4 rounds of antibiotics. My face and gums have swole up 3 times in as many months. I have a horrible cough all the time with clear mucous. I called the doctor to get another antibiotic and she said to stop lisinopril. Now I see why
steven
tampa
I am on a non-ACE inhibitor (Losartan) and am having the cough issue too and have been for a long time. Currently I have been having an issue with anemia so the doctor has me on a Fe supplement and ironically my cough is gone. So I am wondering if the Fe supplement helps not just the ACE inhibitors but other HP medicines.
Hope A
Washington State
Lisiprinol caused huradus,worst cough I never experienced
in my life of 73years.
After 4 months I start to reasearch and stop taking Lisiprinol
on my owen. I rather get killed by heart attack than taking
Lisiprinol. One life matter!!! You healthcare provider& pharmaceutical. Vomit,cough,incontinent,indigestion,not able
to leave home with above condition.
I will deal with Lisiprinol manufacturer.
Susanne
UK
I have taken amlodopine which the Dr discontinued because of a swelling left ankle. I then went onto ramipril and developed thick mucus which is constantly in my throat. I find it very hard to sleep at night. Because of the choking sensation it creates. I went back to the doctor who changed my meds. I am now on a combination of telmartasan and amlopodine but over the last year this problem has just gotten progressively worse. I do not have much of a cough just this terrible thick mucus trickling down my throat day and night. The doctor convinced that it was GERD and sent me to see an ENT specialist who could see nothing wrong and prescribed nasal irrigation and a nasal spray, neither of which worked at all.
I am losing lots of sleep but am reluctant to go back to my doctor because I am sure he thinks I am exaggerating the problem but that’s not the case. I now use a stream and menthol and inhaler which helps to loosen the mucus when it is very bad but it doesn’t work that well. I try to avoid foods that may make this worse such as cheese, yogurt and chocolate, all foods that I ate in moderation before this problem started. I now take Omaprazole for the gerd but it doesn’t work other than giving me an upset stomach. I am at the end of my tether. Stopping the blood pressure tablets is not an option for me. Anyone got any suggestions?
Thanks
Mary
Canada
Agreed – my normally sensitive physicians have been unsensitive, ignoring the ethics and sensitivity involved in dispensing such a commonly uncomfortable and unrelentingly disturbing drug and ignoring my statements expressing its disturbance in my life. It doesn’t let me sleep , I am too tired to conduct life and was thinking the same things as Ann – that this quality of life is not worth it.
To make matters worse, when I did some research, I found that this could have been avoided by doing a genome test to find out whether I am in the category of people that get this effect from Ace inhibitors. This particularly should’ve been done because I am someone who gets migraines and headaches and this definitely induces more of them and real pain . Caution should’ve been taken in the first place and sensitivity used when I complained… followed by a willingness to switch me to another class of medicine.
Thomas
Piura, Peru
Was on 20 mg and then 40mg Benazepril. Developed dry cough after 10 months. When I could not sleep with cough I stopped Benazepril. Used sleeping pill to get sleep, after 5 days off Benazepril cough no longer keeps me from sleeping. However, sleeping pattern is in disarray so I am struggling to get it back to normal.
Fran
Miami Beach, FL
For years while my mother was taking Losarten, Hyzaar, and other ACE inhibitors, she put up with that annoying cough. Now, 4 years after she died, her cat is on Benazepril and has the cough! Like other doctors, the vet is incredulous. But the cat does not have any respiratory illness. When I don’t give her Benazepril, the cough improves, so after some convincing, I am switching her to a Calcium Channel Blocker, Almodipine. Hopefully, at least my mother’s cat will not have to suffer with coughing!
Gerry H
Ireland
I have had high blood pressure for a few years and was prescribed a beta blocker which worked fine, and I had no problems with it. Then a few months ago my blood pressure got really high so I was prescribed an ACE inhibitor called Tritace and another drug Istin (Amlodipine). I was being regularly monitored by my doctor at the time and was back and forth every two weeks. During this time I got a bad cold with sinus infection and a really bad cough. I thought the cough was from post-nasal drip. But using a nasal spray I cleared up the drip, and the cough got worse.
My pharmacist asked me what was wrong one day, after I had exhausted his supply of dry cough medicines. When I described the cough he said I should mention it to my doctor, as he was convinced the Tritace was the problem. I did this, and the doctor prescribed another drug Perindopril (another ACE inhibitor). My pharmacist said “I don’t think these will be any better as they are a similar type of drug.” I said I would try them but after two weeks I had to stop taking them, as my cough got worse. It was so bad I couldn’t go anywhere because I would cough so hard that I would start vomiting, and I couldn’t sleep at night. My husband was getting annoyed at being awakened every night, and I was miserable, so I asked my pharmacist for a list of medications which might suit me. Armed with this I visited my doctor, who looked at the list and then prescribed Zestful, yet another ACE inhibitor. I went to the pharmacist who shook his head and said, “These are the same as the last lot.”
He then rang my doctor and explained that I needed a different type of drug, as all the ACE inhibitors I had taken were causing the cough. They agreed on another drug called Omesar, and I have been taking these for two weeks now. The cough has not gone but it is not as severe, and I feel it is gradually going. I know it can take months for a drug to completely be removed from your system but at last I feel I am getting there.
I know doctors are difficult and don’t like being told that what they prescribe doesn’t agree with a patient. Luckily I have a pharmacist who has what he calls “a duty of care to his patient” and stepped in to help me. I really think that prescribing ACE inhibitors should be a last resort and other drugs, change of diet, exercise etc. should be tried out first.
Aidan
Surrey
About three years ago I was asked to take Ramipril by my cardiologist. When I asked what this drug was for he told me it was a drug to control high blood pressure. As my BP had always been pretty normal, typically 120/70, I asked why he was prescribing Ramipril. He informed me he was recommending it to all his patients as a preventive medication.
Since then I have had severe bouts of persistent coughing. At the moment I am in the middle of one of the severest: coughing, phlegm, dizziness and weight loss of 3kgs over seven days due to loss of appetite. I have seen my doctor over the past year and have been prescribed nasal spray, antibiotics, Omeprazole to control stomach acid and cough medicines all to no avail.
I saw my GP last Tuesday and I have another course of antibiotics to take, double up on the Omeprazole and had an x-ray yesterday. This time my GP did mention the fact that I was taking Ramipril as a possible cause. Having read this thread I am now going to insist on coming off it. Why I was put on it in the first place is a question I really need an answer to.
Sara
Nottinghamshire
I too have developed the Ramipril Cough.. and sore big toe’s… the cough keeps me awake at night and appears to be incurable.. Now stopped Ramipril after blood in stools for 2 weeks but the cough remains.. as does the very sore toe joint on the left..
I hope it doesn’t take long to go as I’m sick of sleeping on the sofa.. I keep waking my husband up with the stupid cough!
Barney
Vancouver
I had been on Ramipril for several years and had a cough that would not go away.
A bit slow but eventually went on line and started to research my meds one by one and found that this cough has been associated with ACE.
I went to my Dr. and told him about my cough etc. and before I could tell him anything else he says “Ramipril, you are off it as of now”. Stopped the Ramipril and now am on Atenolol and no cough. I blame myself for not doing my research sooner and not mentioning it to the Dr. sooner. Old and slow.
Martha
Chicago
I am taking Enalapril-HCTZ 10-25MG. I have develop a nasty cough with phlegm production. I am considering getting off this medication and take a more natural alternative to BP. I am on no other medications.
Jackie
I also have struggled with a cough and spitting up frothy, clear mucous all day long. It even wakes me at night! I was in lisinipril and asked to be taken off because of this. The doc switched me to losoratam, 100 mg and a diuretic, 12.5 mg. the cough continues and excess phlem is so annoying! I constantly fill up tissues and have to spit it out as it is hard to swallow. Please, could somebody tell me what blood pressure drug they switched to that doesn’t cause these nasty side affects? Thanks!
Marie C
Herts
I have had the cough from hell – paroxysmal eye-watering cough with retching and even vomiting – for six months now.
The first GP suggested a post-viral hyper-reactive cough (which I can’t even find on the web so I suspect he thinks it’s psychosomatic), the second tried me on antacids for silent reflux and the third on an inhaler for asthma, neither of which worked. I then begged for a test for whooping cough (for which the fourth GP said I’d have to have a ‘really unpleasant’ naso-pharyngeal swab obviously thinking I was bluffing and would say no, and then had to do a blood test as well anyway) which was negative. I’ve now been referred by the second GP to ENT for a naso-pharyngeal camera.
And my husband just keeps just saying can I not suppress it! No!!!!
then today found one tiny little comment that this cough of death can be caused by ACE inhibitors – and guess what, it turns out that the Ramipril which I’m on is an ACE inhibitor. But this was in 1989, and anything else I’ve read about ACE inhibitor side effects merely says ‘it can cause a cough’ which makes it sound like just a dry, irritating tickle.
And then I found this website. I am going to phone my GP in the morning and ask to be put on a completely different type of BP tablet – and just hope to goodness that this cures it.
Why in heaven’s name is this paroxysmal, vomit inducing cough not properly listed as a side-effect of Ramipril?!
I would not wish this horrific cough on my worst enemy.
MoB
UK
My poor husband has suffered for 3 years with this dreadful debilitation cough which our GP said was not related to Ramipril, because that is a dry, irritating cough, usually in the afternoon, not a productive, frothy, eye-watering, vomit-making, eye -popping cough every morning! Why did we not do our research earlier? I can’t believe it. In truth the cough started some time after the medication and was further complicated by fractured ribs and a haemothorax, which we had presumed had left lasting scarring of lung tissue, but so many of these descriptions are so accurate that it’s scary! The drug manufacturers must know how bad it can be!
I shall be completing an adverse reaction report today and urge all other people to do so who have suffered these debilitating side effects. Just google drug adverse effect reporting, all countries will have a system. In the UK this is it. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
Julie
Pasadena
I have an internet business and I am on the computer every single day. That means I spend a good bit of my spare time reading blogs, researching etc. NEVER in my 45 years…about 10 of which I have been online did I ever post or reply about a topic…UNTIL NOW! I have been on 10mg of Lisinopril daily for about 6 months. Everything was fine at first, until about a month in when I developed a very bad cough. I of course didn’t make a connection, as I had been on the medication for a while. I just assumed I had a simple cold, that is, until it continued and continued and the coughing spells became worse!
I am simply miserable and so is my husband that sleeps with me! About 4 months in, I saw my regular doctor who happens to be a Pulmonologist. She first treated my for bronchitis. Then she diagnosed me with allergies and later asthma. Wow, I thought… when did this all happen… mid 40s suck! I whole heatedly believed my doctor until my close friend (who is a nurse) agreed with me that while I have had mild allergies for many years, they have never been severe! In addition, I had NO history at all of asthma.
She then asked me if I was taking an ACE drug for blood pressure. She had experienced patients over her years as a nurse that complained of an “ACE cough.” Because she is an amazing nurse and deeply cares about her patience she had researched the subject at one time. Well well well… my HORRIBLE COUGH AND SYMPTOMS exactly match the timeline of which I have been on the Lisinopril. Dry nagging constant cough, spitting up clear phlegm, unstoppable coughing spells that keep coming and coming, dry throat, no matter how much I drink etc etc!!!! everything described by all I read!!!! It is literally the worst cough I have ever had and no cough medicine or steroid/rescue inhalers do a thing to help!
I have stopped taking this horrible medication and am BEYOND GRATEFUL to my smart girlfriend for figuring out what my doctor didn’t even suggest to me. I am terribly sad to read that it can take several months to work out of my system. That means I will be coughing all through the holidays! :-( I am pounding water and hoping for the best. Can’t wait to see my doctor at the end of this week. So curious if she will be defensive or acknowledge the validity of what I am 100% positive is the root cause of my coughing. I’ll re-post once I see her. If anyone reading is in doubt, PLEASE BELIEVE that this drug absolutely causes respiratory problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer
West Virginia
Three months of Lisinopril for me with a gradually worsening cough until you feel like it has you by the throat. I work with a woman who has pretty advanced COPD and she was feeding me cough drops which do nothing except increase the chance of getting choked on a foreign object. Stopped the Lisinopril and kept the cough. I am relieved to see the information regarding length of the lingering cough as considering stopping Losartan Potassium as well.
Gopal
New York
For those who have significant side-effects (like a serious cough) from taking BP medicines and whose doctors are not willing to provide alternatives… I have only one recommendation – Change your doctor, if possible. Blood Pressure is one of the most common and reasonably well understood health issue over the last 50 years and there are hundreds of combinatoric treatments available. Your doctor should be able to work with you to provide a treatment that is effective and with minimal side effects.
As a 33 years BP patient whose 270/160 BP was accidentally discovered at the ripe old age of 26, here are my comments that I am posting to you from July 29, 2015, when I wrote about my experience with a beta-blocker, Nadolal (corgard) including the temporary change to Lotensin for a few weeks…
I have been taking Corgard/Nadolal for over 33 years on a daily basis since 1982, when I was 26 and accidentally diagnosed with a BP of 270/160 (4 days hospitalization). Apart from a few weeks on Aldomet (Methyldopa), I have been on Nadolal, initially at 320 and 160 mgs daily for a few years and then gradually down to 60/40/20 mgs… which when stopped started raising my BP… For the last 10 years I take 60 mgs a day.. In addition I have been on Moduretic 5/50 mgs (also since 1982) and 10 mgs of Norvasc (calcium channel blocker). I am also a non-insulin dependent diabetic type 2 patient for the last 16 years.
Although my doctors tried to put me on Ace inhibitors and Angiotensin receptors some 15 years ago, I was switched back to to the beta blocker because of dry cough (lotensin) and then rashes (can’t remember the name). I have been extremely fortunate in tolerating nadolal as well as my other medications and of course like others I periodically question their long-term efficacy… The things that has worked for me… extremely good concerned doctors (who spent their 30 minutes giving patient answers, which I would demand if they were not forthcoming), moderate+ exercise (say the equivalent of 20 – 30 miles brisk walking per week), good food (lots of veggies and fruits.. I am a fruit-a-holic) and as I like cooking and have been doing so for 30+ years (I don’t eat too much processed food).. but again as an epicurean, no rigid limits and still like my lunch and dinner with dessert and coffee (lunch only due to caffinitis at night!)…
At 59 I am in pretty good health… and my beliefs… moderation, almost always taking your medicines, keeping a pulse on your well being and BECOMING A VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE PATIENT (know your medicines, know their side reactions, know the trends and research in your health areas of concern, be aware that medicine is an inexact science and Doctors are not Gods, and finally a thought that says que sera sera… after you have done your part of course!… Hope this helps…
Ethan
Tacoma,WA
I am 68 years of age, retired from a very active and slim life as an infantryman in the
U S Military, have been taking Enalapril Maleate USP 10mg Blue Tablet in a Blue
Bottle of 100 tabs for about 5 years, the bottle also says ‘Mylan’ on it. I do have a
cough unexpectedly about 2 times per month. I have allergies and do have to clear my
throat in the mornings. I take this blood pressure medicine because I gained 30
pounds some years after I retired in 1989. I have never smoked and rarely drink
any alcoholic beverages. Docs tell me I am in good shape and have the strongest grip they have ever measured in a retiree over 60 years of age at 155 pounds in
my left hand and 145 in my right—even thou I am right handed. I did not know if the
brand or type of enalapril made any difference, but this is my story. I am trying to
loose weight seriously every day, so I do not have to take this stuff.! ! Hope this helps some of your readers.
Cynthia
Wisconsin
After reading all the comments, I just had to write. There is an alternative that may help lower blood pressure without drugs. Acupuncture has been successful for lowering blood pressure. My husband was involved in an auto accident (rear ended) and suffered a serious back injury. The pain pills (nsaids) didn’t help; the steroid shot in his back did nothing. Acupuncture finally brought him relief and let him smile again. Even his physical therapist was impressed by his progress. I have spoken to other people who had acupuncture for pain and they also experienced lowered blood pressure as well. The needles are very thin and it is not painful, maybe a little pin prick at first; it also helps you sleep better. The needles are sterile, one use only. The practitioner should open the sealed package in front of you. I have also had acupuncture and it decreased the swelling in my legs. Acupuncture is cumulative; it will take more than a couple of treatments to see results. Don’t give up too soon, go for at least six treatments (once or twice weekly). Just one caution; be sure that the acupuncture practitioner is properly trained ( they should display a certificate indicating where and when training was completed) and licensed to practice in your state. Also look for a practitioner that has been practicing for at least several years. Comparison shop on line since the fees can vary quite a bit. The acupuncture practitioner we go to now charges about half of the most expensive one in our area. If you are not satisfied with a practitioner, try another one. We went to two, and the second, less expensive one seems better.
If you have only slightly elevated blood pressure, try eating celery daily. It helps to lower blood pressure naturally.
Hope this helps.
Karl
Dallas
About 25 years ago, my internist prescribed Zestril and I developed the characteristic dry, unproductive cough. I complained about it for two years and received no response. I owned some Merck stock and in the annual report it mentioned that the cough was an impediment to increased prescribing by physicians. I showed this to my internist and his response was “Oh, yeah, that happens.” Since I was in an HMO, I immediately transferred to another physician and registered a complaint. Of course, nothing ever came of that. I also changed to another medication and the problem was resolved within a couple of weeks.
Susan
Portland, OR
I always check the side effects of a new drug, but with Lisinopril I had forgotten what they were when I didn’t notice anything right away. I have asthma, so when the cough came on slowly I didn’t think too much about it. It gradually got pretty bad, and my inhaler didn’t seem to help. I had gotten pretty annoyed with the cough when I overheard someone say that they had had to stop Lisinopril because of a cough. That was very much an AHA moment. My doctor switched me to Losartan which helped and then added half a dose of chlorthalidone. My blood pressure now runs about 105/60.
Lisa
Sometimes switching to a different ACE inhibitor can work. Lisinopril began causing me a variety of problematic side effects, including a mild cough. I discontinued it under my doctor’s supervision. Later, my doctor put me on enalapril, and the side effects did not recur. He said one (lisinopril) crossed the blood-brain barrier, while the other (enalapril) did not.
Glenda
Spring TX
I too started coughing as a result of taking Lisinopril. After a couple weeks of a cough so bad it would make me throw up, I discovered the side effects listed a “mild to moderate cough”. My cough was much more intense than “mild to moderate”, but I sipped the medication and emailed my doctor. He put me on valsartin. It took about 3 weeks for the cough to completely subside. I’ve had no side effects like that from valsartin other than my copay went from $5 a month to $60 a month!
Dr Su
Earth
It may surprise your readers to know that Lisinopril is derived from SNAKE VENOM (from Brazillian poisonous snakes). In order to lower blood pressure, the body’s functions must be suppressed, the body and mind slowed down. Snake venom will do this, but Lisinopril has just enough not to cause death. Coughing is the body’s attempt to detoxify poisons, which drugs are. ‘Pharmacy’ comes from the Greek word for poison. There are more rational ways to lower BP, which is only a symptom of improved lifestyle needs, nutrition, exercise. Magnesium {Mg} is the fundamental mineral the body needs to lower BP by relaxing the internal muscle layer of arteries. Most people with high BP are low in magnesium, not snake venom. The body will appreciate the magnesium, will know what to use it for, and not cause you to cough, or have any other side effect.
We need to correct causes and nutritional deficiencies, not superficially attempt to suppress symptoms. Symptoms are not diseases. They are simply the body’s way of showing its imbalances. Symptoms are not drug deficiencies. Ask your medicators what Lisinopril is made of. You may now know more than they do!
Luke T.
ARBs work just as well with less of those nasty side effects.
Marie
Houston
I was on Lisinopril for years as my cough got worse and kept me up at night. I was always taking cough syrup and cough drops. Finally, my doctor changed me to Losartan, but it didn’t lower my blood pressure, and coughing was also one of it’s side effects. Once again, my doctor changed me to Verapamil, and when my blood pressure hit 178/96 after more than 3 weeks on it, I asked the doctor what to do. She said go see a Cardiologist, but that isn’t in my budget. So I went back on Lisinopril on my own since I still had some from before because at least it works to lower my blood pressure. My cough is back, but the Verapamil gave me such high blood pressure that my chest began to hurt. I guess I will have to tolerate the cough unless someone comes up with a solution because it seems that ACE drugs are all that works to lower my BP and I do have side effects from them.
Anon
UK
I found this site googling Ramipril side effects.
I was on them for 2 years at the 2.5 mg dose. They really worked on the BP.
However, 18 months after taking them I started to get a dry tickly scratchy throat in the night which made me cough. I put it down to a virus / cold but it would not shift and slowly got worse. After a month of this I started coughing up a clear mucous, and the cough got really bad. I could not breathe. I thought I had something more serious going on. I would cough that much in the morning. I started being sick and had nose bleeds, and the phelgm / mucous would run down my throat. My eyes streamed, and my nose ran like a tap.
After suffering for 4 months I went to the docs and changed to another BP med.
It was 5-6 weeks before the cough went away (its 90% better) but I’m now left with post-nasal drip and a sore throat, so have to go back to the doctor again.
This ruined 5 months of my life
The People's Pharmacy
An ACE inhibitor can cause a very persistent cough; however, many people derive great benefit from these medicines. Be aware of the potential side effect, but do not let it panic you out of trying a medication your doctor prescribes.
Helen
new york
On March 18, 2015 my doctor started me on Enalapril 2.5 mg. for slightly high blood pressure. She assured me it was the lowest dose of any Blood Pressure Meds. Well one week after starting it I developed a tickle in my throat and could not stop coughing. I went back to my doctor because I told her my throat hurt so bad. So she put me on antibiotics. Well the cough got worst, to the point of vomiting. Needless to say I have had very little sleep. On April 18, 2015 I had my regular appointment with my thyroid doctor. Told him what was happening and told me to stop the blood pressure meds because that was causing the tickle and cough. So far I have not stopped coughing, I have no social life, cannot have a conversation on my phone, because I’m always coughing. I have no desire to eat because as soon as the food touches my throat I start coughing. I use cough medicine and cough drops constantly, which helps slightly. How long does this go on after stopping Enalapril.?
Paulette
California
I only took 6 Lisinopril and stopped, after almost a month and still cough. I hope this will stop soon.
Kathie
Washington
I started Lisinopril about 6 months ago and have had the cough but I could deal with it. Then last week I got really sick and woke up with my lips swollen and red on the inside, and runny, worse cough and vomiting when coughing. My Doctor took me off Lisinopirl and started me on Losartan- I hope it works!! I will update later. It’s good to know the cough takes so long to stop
Monica
Chicago
I took Enalapril for about 3 weeks. The coughing started about a week after starting. I am so thankful that I check all my new meds for side effects on the internet. I feel so sorry for anyone who doesn’t. It took about 4 weeks to stop coughing.
donna
michigan
Lisinopril…it’s a nightmare. I had the flu three months ago and around the same time had to start blood pressure meds. One week into my flu I developed a horrible cough. Well I just thought it was the flu. Another week passed..I developed laryngitis from the cough. It’s been three months of coughing now…two er visits and three dr visits. Today at 430am..when I finally said I can’t sleep anymore…Another er visit.
Dr put me on yet another round of steroid and another antibiotic…I finally say…could this be my blood pressure meds doing this to me. He said..better talk to your Dr because it may be. I called her and said…how many er visits…how many Dr visits..how many meds…and I have to figure out it’s my blood pressure pills! Now that my family hates me for the months of annoying coughing and I can barely work because I’m in retail and have to talk….They want to put me on another ace inhibitor! I flat out refuse to take one. I have been miserable. I hope my Dr can find another solution because I’m done with Dr visits and pills…
Jill
United States
I was on Lisinopril for two weeks my Dr did tell me coughing was a possible side effect, it was horrible coughing all night exhausted, coughing so such I would vomit, also caused panic attacks and heart racing. Never again I have been switched to Norvasc we will see how that goes, started to feel like a human guinea pig !!!
Gail
Michigan
My journey with BP meds started a year ago. Started on Lisinopril, bad cough within a week. Switched to an ARB after 8 weeks as cough so bad I had to excuse myself from meetings. Very fatigued from the ARB so on to Amlodipine. About 5 months on this but it wasn’t very effective on my BP and my feet and ankles swelled terribly plus up once or twice a night to use the bathroom.
Then Divian (sp) which made me SO sick…so I had said to heck with it, I will put up with the cough. 1 week in, cough is back. I read about the iron supplements and I tell you what… they work Wonderful for me. I take 365mg which is 65k of Ferrous (or something like that) once a day and my Cough was almost immediately arrested. Within a couple of days. I have no trouble with the iron and when I went in for my annual physical a couple of weeks ago I had the doctor check my Iron level with the other blood work to make sure I was not storing it and getting to much. I am fine! In the normal range! BP is 125 over 75 as Lisinopril works great for controlling it and NO COUGH. Maybe this will help somebody else. Good Luck!
Sandy
Michigan
I started this horrid drug prescribed for my high BP Sept. 2014. Within a month I developed the most horrific cough. Jan. 2015. I went to my Dr. and asked by chance could a side effect be coughing, she smiled at me and said she’d prescribe me something else, she said that although rare, some people do develop a cough.
Describing it a just a cough is like comparing dizziness to vertigo. I have never felt so miserable in my life, and I consider myself quite stoic. I have over months come to isolate myself, people tend to shy away when I have episodes of coughing my toes up. It’s been 3 weeks now on Norvasc, I’m not sure but I think the coughing is getting worse? Just shoot me now, or maybe just put me in a coma, I haven’t slept through the night in I don’t remember how long.
Fran
Rhode Island
I was put on 3 mg of Lisinopril about a month and a half ago. The dreaded cough, which the doctor warned me about, which started about a week into using the med, was for me a dry, choking cough and at times I actually dry heave. I saw an article written about the iron supplements and have been faithfully taking them for at least a couple weeks. I noticed an improvement for the first week or so, but the cough is coming back again more often as is the choking, dry heaving. I will stick it out until my next appt in a month. This is very annoying I have to admit. I’m a very tolerant person too.
EMMA
Austin
I am so disgusted by the side effect of severe coughing, for six months now, not to mention, also throwing up at least a dozen times. I have been to my doctor several times for this cough. First I was given Benzonatate 100mg, no improvement. Went back a few weeks later, given a shot of steroid, no improvement. Back a few weeks later, chest X-ray, all clear, but no change in the cough. Given Hydrocodone cough medicine which I took at night in an attempt to get some rest. I am surprised my husband still sleeps in the same room with me, I wake him up all night randomly having coughing attacks, not very attractive.
I am a Realtor and this has caused my business to come to a halt. I can’t talk for 5 minutes without having hacking attacks. I personally can’t stand to be around someone coughing because it freaks me out, so what is the difference for anyone else. My dear mother even suggested I get tested for TB. I’ve lost my voice, I can’t even stand to sing alone. My voice now sounds like some heavy smoker which I am not a smoker and never even around second hand smoke. This all came on real fast after starting Lisinopril. I’ve always been proud that I was on no medication, but then after having high BP, was prescribed this horrid medicine. It should be outlawed, and there should be a lawsuit.
It has cost me time, money, joy and basically I stay more to myself. I work out several times a week at a gym, but now try to go on off hours so as not to scare people. How long can you tell family, friends, and even strangers not to worry, that your cough is not contagious? This is awful. Thankfully the nurse noticed the fact I kept coming back because the cough was not going away. She asked if I happened to be on Lisinopril and then suggested to my doctor that he change my prescription. Okay, well, it’s been several months now, and it has not let up, not one little bit.
arleeen
new york
I am really searching for empthy for this horrible cough from LIsinipin. Its a horible drug which has caused me to have a horrible cough. I dont sleep and at night nad I am interested in hearing how long people been suffering. Its really sad that the medical professionals continute to prescribe this drug?
Trish
Surrey
I was prescribed perindopril in 2010 where I developed an horrendous cough, vomiting regularly, the only relief I got was to go out in the fresh air, I told this to my doctor and she said going outside to get relief would mean it is not associated with the tablet, well anyway I told her I am discontinuing theses tablets and we will see what happens, hey presto I am not coughing anymore, the only problem I have is all the ace inhibitors names all end in peril and have the same symptoms, so what next !!
Cheryl
Houston, TX
I started Lisinipril at the end of November when my blood pressure went up very high for about 4 days. I was never told it might cause a cough. I have had a dry annoying cough every since. It was getting so bad I thought about going to see an ENT. I have had to take a cough syrup my Dr. gave me in the past when I was sick and no other cough syrup would suppress my cough. I just visited my Gynecologist for routine check up and the nurse saw my medication list and said she used to take Lisinipril as well as her mother and their Dr took them off because it caused them to cough! That was my Ah-Ha moment. I then realized what was causing it. I’ve been coughing since I started my BP meds for a little over a month now. I went to the Dr. today because I have been actually producing green mucous in my horrible cough now and have lost my voice. I am sure it’s coincidence and I picked something up so the Dr. treated me with antibiotics and steroid and changed my BP meds to one with no ACEi. Now I’m worried because I’m hearing of all the people saying their cough continued after stopping Lisinipril. And I am even more concerned because I’m reading that my cough medicine that I have been taking often and has Hydrocodone may cause an addiction if not already. It is the only medication that relieves my cough so I can get any sleep at night. I don’t want to take it but when I cant sleep because of this nasty cough, I give in and go take a dose and I feel so much better the next day. I only take it at night.
Rita Tattersall
Pennsylvania
I had a bad cough when taking ACE Inhibitors and so did a friend of mine. We both had a WET cough and produced copious amounts of mucus when taking this drug. I don’t understand why they say that it produces a dry cough. I think if you have sinus or allergy problems ACE inhibitors aggravate this and cause you to produce much mucus. I or my friend have never experienced this kind of symptom before. It only happened when taking Lisinopril. After stopping the drug this stopped after a couple of weeks.
Cheryl
Virginia
I too have this ACE cough and it’s been very disruptive both at work and everywhere else. I’ve even gone to the grocery store and find myself at the checkout line and all the sudden my eyes start to water and I cough uncontrollably. People look at me like I have the plague and I feel I have to explain that a high blood pressure medicine has caused it. I was also treated for asthma and allergies on every med you can imagine since the inhibitor seems to cause similar symptoms. None of them worked. I recently read an article about treating the cough with iron supplements and I started those 2 days ago out of desperation. I feel like it may have slowed my cough but every time I’ve thought it’s slowed recently, I am hit with a bad coughing bout so I will wait a few more days and be hopeful it goes away.
Cheryl
Virginia
One other thing. I have had this ACE cough for 8 weeks since I’ve stopped Lisinopril. I’ve had asthma and allergies my whole life and have had various coughs but this one is very different. I often both cough and sneeze at the same time which seems odd and also have lost bladder control quite a bit. I have found I have to use the rest room often because of this.
Ann R
Los Angeles
My Dr prescribed benezapril and after a few months, I got a really bad cough, shortness of breath, a lot of phlegm, severe body aches, couldn’t sleep at night cause I was up coughing. I’ve stopped taking it but I still have the symptoms. The Dr said I had pneumonia, then said I didn’t but I maybe have allergies or asthma. I have spots on my liver now. They gave me a CT scan trying to see if I had cancer. This is terrible.
Peg
New Hampshire
Started Lisinopril March of 2014. As each month passed, my side effects escalated. My lips would swell, my cough got worse, I have a heaviness in my chest that I could not explain. Many mornings when I woke up, I would cough so hard that I would almost vomit. Two months ago, I felt my upper lip on the right side start to swell and by the time I got to a mirror, half of my face looked like I was having a stroke!
My doctor told me to STOP taking lisinopril as it looked like I could even go into anaphylactic shock! I have no clue why cardiologists prescribe this med but in my family, my husband, brother and I were put on this drug. Do the doctors get a kick back from the pharma companies for putting all patients on this drug? I had borderline hypertension when put on this drug and have now found out that it should NEVER have been prescribed for such a low instance of blood pressure challenges.
Is Lisinopril the drug of “choice” without doctors having any clue of these side effects? I stopped taking Lisinopril two months ago and still have the hacking cough and a heaviness in my chest that I NEVER had before starting this drug. If it were not for the Internet, I would still be trusting my doctor and taking this medicine. What is wrong with this picture?????
Felicia
GA
I thought I was losing my mind with this unbearable cough! I started lisinopril in May of 2014 and thought it was allergies, acid reflux, a cold, etc. I didn’t mention it to my doctor until it became so unbearable that it interrupted my sleep. When I mentioned it my doctor acknowledged that it may be the medication and immediately changed it to something else. Now, my question is how long will it take for this cough to go!!!
Sheila
Florida
I started the Ace Inhibitor drug two weeks ago and the cough began almost immediately. I thought I had a virus, since I had been told there was a DRY cough associated with the drug, sometimes. Nobody mentioned the post nasal drip! So, I assumed it wasn’t related. Still, it’s two weeks later and I’m still coughing.
Finally called the doc to ask for something else to manage my HBP. Truly, it this side effect is as prevalent as it seems to be, one has to wonder WHY the drugs are still the market! I sell real estate and a hacking cough when I least expect it does nothing for my credibility! HATE it! Whilst researching ACE Inhibitors, I read that iron (ferrous sulphate) apparently helps the coughing symptoms. Have not tried it because I’m dubious about having to deal with constipation as an offshoot of all this, but for anyone who’d like to STAY on the Ace Inhibitor (which my pharmacy gives away FREE!) It seems to be working effectively to lower my blood pressure too, darnit.
Cynthia V.
United States
I think the pharmaceutical companies that produce lisinopril should be sued. This cough and dripping mucous is torture. I’ve been off of lisinopril a couple of months and it seems to be getting worse. There is a warning of coughing as a side effect, but, once coughing starts it’s too late. People begin to avoid you…
Jan
Lakeport, Ca.
Just started with the cough and some periodic heaviness in my upper chest and throat. The cough grabs me when I talk or least expect it. Bothersome as no wheeze and no congestion just cough that stops me from talking. At first I thought asthma symptoms, the doctor said I am clear. Another doctor said anxiety disorder with law school. When I researched this web site on google, I had the ah ha moment, …..recalled someone way back when talking about this kid of cough- side effect from ACE inhibitor medication….makes perfect sense…thank you…..time to change medications! Jan
DSH
Years ago, I had read on another site, that the cough could be relieved by taking those cough lozenges with vitamin C. So I went and got some and tried it. It works. It has been almost 6 years and only cough when I run and forgot to get more. I only use maybe one or two a day. Wish it was that easy to get the asthma part under control when it kicks up.
Cay
I was just changed to lisinopril twice a day and developed a sore throat cough and runny nose and severe heart burn. Thought is was a cold or allergy because I have a cat sanctuary. Was researching prinivile because my brother was experiencing severe gas pains runny nose cough and muscle cramps and heart burn. Tried to explains to him to ask his DR about his BP meds causing the problem. Of course little sister doesn’t know what she is talking about.
Well any way I am not going to take the lisinopril and just stay on my norvasc. All this came about when I saw the lawsuit on TV about Benicar, and my almost fainting gas pains and severe tiredness after complaining about these symptoms for years. Finally came off Benicar and felt fine.. Was fussed at by DR and went back back on Benicar, same symptoms.. Stopped completely and went on blood pressure lowering foods.. Worked fine, felt great, except but BP was a little high.
New DR put me on Lisonopril and the after effects are awful. It seems I can’t win. Is there any BP meds that actually lower the BP with out all the gastro or cold symptoms attached to it?
Thanks
Angie
Jonesboro
Can you tell us what they are
BB
I had been taking Enalapril for 2 weeks before I developed this terrible cough. Thanks to the internet and people like you guys, I read about the “enalapril cough”, went to my doctor and he immediately took me off. He told me that it would be about a month before this cough will subside. This is the worst thing I have ever experienced because of a bp med. I can’t believe my doc gave me this med without giving me a warning about this side effect. I suffered unnecessarily. I would not take this med and suffer like this under any circumstance.
WD
I was prescribed lisinopril 5mg a day a few years ago. I really did not have any side effects from this dose. My BP was going up so I was increased to 10mg a day last summer and I noticed a banging in my chest at night after I took the medicine.
In Feb of this year, my doc increased to 40 mg a day. Within a couple of weeks, I started to notice a lot of phlegm going down my throat and I constantly felt a tickle in my throat and started to cough. The phlegm is thick but clear. I went to my ENT doc and he found nothing and diagnosed me with allergies and possible GERD. He started me on protonix which I took for 6 weeks with no relief. I finally convinced my family doc to stop the lisinopril.
It has been 2 weeks since stopping the lisinopril and my cough has more or less subsided but I still have the thick clear phlegm running down my throat. Can anyone tell me how long it took for the phlegm to go away after stopping lisinopril???
Thanks
JennyCee
I was prescribed Ramipril in October, went back with a cough after a week and was prescribed another Ace Inhibitor, went back yet again and a Locum prescribed Amlodopine.
I still have the cough, which is so bad sometimes I am unable to sleep for nights on end. I have a history of Asthma, and can only conclude that I was prescribed Ramipril and the other because my documents were not checked.
I have been told that my cough now is nothing to do with the original drug. I have had
checks for this constant cough and a bronchoscopy which showed a red raw patch in my throat together with Thrush – Great!
The cough has been its very worst in the last month, and, because of at least 5 nights without sleep, I have obviously developed a low immunity system. i have had the very “nights from Hell” Can anyone suggest a CURE??????
Barbara T.
I take Benazepril, has it been found to develop a cough? I couldn’t quite determine if it could contribute to the coughing, I do have a cough and it just started about a week or more ago some during the day but a lot at night. I have been on the Benazepril for at least 2 years. Maybe it is something else but I thought I ask. I value your opinion. Barbara
People’s Pharmacy response: Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor, like lisinopril. The cough is a potential side effect of any ACE inhibitor, though some may be more likely to cause cough than others.
Lisa
After having been on this medication for nearly 4 months, and my doctor treating me the entire time for allergies, he finally took me off of the Lisinopril after I told him I’m coughing to the point of gagging and vomiting every day. I have found relief with Dextromethorphan tablets. This ingredient is in most cough syrups but tastes terrible!
The cough pills I buy are a generic cough pill. I take 2 every 6 hours in order to function at work, at home with my 3 yr old and to sleep. I hope my cough doesn’t take 3 months to go away. These pills make it manageable. Oh, also Chroraseptic sore throat drops WITH DEXTROMETHORPHAN work to temporarily manage it in cases where the pills start wearing off before I can take more.
TLC
2 months with a painful disruptive cough – more and more pills. I’ve decided to simply stop Lisinopril. My Doctor(s) have yet to mention the ACE cough to me. Time to find new Docs. It’s a pretty sad state of affairs when Google and I are better at practicing medicine than “professionals.”
Sedona
I am furious. I have mucous and a v. sore throat. They said sinus etc. and gave me these steroid nose drops. Heavy duty.. I am using Hydrasense to clear my nose and this helps
any other ideas please e mail me
I’m v . frustrated and the Valsartan has just been increased and I’m reading about Valsartan can cause this goodness me, also I need a root canal done now.
Sedona tks
Milenko
I also started lisinopril 6 months ago, and just 2 weeks ago I developed this horrific cough and shortness of breath, finally I am stopping with that medicine cold turkey tonight never again.
I mean I don’t sleep and I am tired due to constant coughing.
I had pretty much enough of it.
Annonymous
When I started lisinopril, I had no cough although I also have asthma, gout, arthritis, with a lot of feeling of swelling or leg pain below the knees. I had severe sickness with mild fever that seemed to improve after 2 different rounds of antibiotics. I thought the round of medicines was not long enough as there was improvement on a short dose but not complete resolution.
The coughing was so severe that I noticed blood in the mucous. My doctor, after 3-4 mos of this, finally ordered a sputum test. It returned with severe HIB infection. I was given another antibiotic for 2 weeks which I thought resolved the problem and I definitely improved.
Now, 3 months later, my sputum or mucous is again thick and yellow. Do I have an infection? After I expel the mucous, my coughing stops until the next day. I have spells that are about 2x a day. It is embarrassing when I am in public. I will try coughing deliberately before I go out 2 -3 x a day to see if I can control it. The med is working for my HBP, but, do I have an infection from it? How do I know which cough is which?
Oh, I am a 65 yr female. Other HBP have not worked or made me not able to function. I was a gestational diabetic with several family members that are diabetic. Also high autoimmune disease family history. Thank you. A
January24
Doctor,
I certainly would not ask you for a homeopathic remedy. At the same time, you clearly have no idea how miserable a person can be with a near-constant, persistent, bone-shattering cough. It sounds as though you could use a little more empathy. I hope that you never experience such a devastating side effect as an ACE inhibitor cough. But if you do, THEN you will understand.
January24
Greg,
Regardless of what they’re telling you in pharmacy school, Losartin (and other meds in that category) DO cause cough — just as ACE inhibitors do. Sorry to have to correct you based upon my miserable personal experience.
carolyn
Iron supplements! I too have been dealing with this violent coughing, and have spent quite a bit of time researching online. First, have your doctor switch you to an ARB inhibitor. These are not as likely to give you this cough. Start taking iron supplements; trials show this will greatly reduce even diminish the cough. I just went off of the ACE inhibitor I was on. I had to be proactive with my (former) MD. I cannot understand how something so common can escape the attention of so many physicians.
justin
Has the shortness of breath gone away yet? I stopped taking lisinopril 10 days ago because my doctor came to the conclusion it was causing my shortness of breath episodes. After 10 days I still have this side-effect, but not as bad as it was.
Lynn
I have never taken any medication before – but was prescribed Ramipril about 8 months ago for high blood pressure since then I have had a terrible debilitating cough that kept me and everyone else awake most of the night. I have terrible bouts of coughing at work where it is impossible for me to go to meetings as I cough so violently that I gag and throw up.
I even threw up in a carrier bag whilst driving as I did not have time to pull over before throwing up. I am too embarrassed to go to the hair dressers, dentist or out for a meal due to the terrible bouts of coughing. My eyes water constantly and my nose runs. I have been back to the doctors twice since and been prescribed a nasal spray and Montelukast tablets, however they did not work. I stopped taking the ramipril 2 days ago and the cough is subsiding quite rapidly I no longer vomit or gag or cough for as long, anywhere near as violently or anywhere near as frequently. I am due to see my doctor next week.
ST
I have been taking perindropril for some time now. I have been coughing but now for the last 5 months have lost my voice, it’s high pitched. I was told it was Acid reflux and have done the whole drill and yet am still the same. I cough up a lot of phlegm and after I eat my voice just goes softer. just the other day I forgot to take my BP tablets which include perindrpril and as soon as I took them within 30 minutes my voice constricted and I felt tight in my throat. Immediately I suspected the perindropril… am I right… I have suffered long enough ..
sf
I was put on Lisinopril and what a mess. Severe coughing, shortness of breath, chills and some leg pain. I took myself off of this after being on for only a month. I did go see my Dr. who said the drug does cause coughing but did not think it caused shortness of breath. I had none of this before I started this drug. She was ok with me stopping it and I am trying another med. BUT because she is not convinced it is the med she has me dong a stress test on my heart and another test.
I have only been off for 4 days and continue to have violent coughing spells and I continue to have shortness of breath. I have read it might take a few weeks to get rid of these symtoms. This is a bad drug. two pages of side effects listed some very very serious.
Pc
I was taking rampril for some years and had numerous tests but no one mentioned that rampril could be causing these problems. My Dr changed my tablets to medoxomil three week ago but I still have cough and sensitive nose with post nasal drip. Can anyone tell me how long it takes to clear from system or should I change the current medication again to another tablet? Many thanks. PC
C B
I have been taking Lisinipril for a couple of years with no problems. In November, 2012 I developed a cough that until today, has not subsided. It gets so bad that I vomit at times. The cough has been taking over my life. I visited my doctor today, thinking I had a lung infection or worse. Everything checked out fine. He looked at my chart and was immediately convinced that I had the Lisinipril cough. My eyes water all the time, my nose runs and my sinuses are always draining. Plus, I’ve been so tired that I can hardly stay awake in the afternoon during work. He switched my meds today to Cozaar and guaranteed that I would eventually be cough free. I’m hoping this eliminates this horrible side effect.
jds
I stopped taking lisinprol and its been 9 weeks I’m still coughing. my question how much longer my cough goes away. and I was tested for strep throat and blood test negative. What a made choice by family doctor.
TG
Can anybody tell me is it safe to cold turkey off perindopril? Are there any side affects or risks in doing this? My blood pressure is under control but I think it is because I have been exercizing more. I don’t want to take these bloody things all my life so the only way to find out what is helping is to stop taking them for a while. I’ve read it may take a couple of months for the cough to go away. I’m on 5mgs. The bloody cough is a pain in the neck.
se
I had been taking Lisinopril (low dose) with HCTZ for years. Over a five to six year period I had the cough and phlegm problems, also hoarseness, a constant stuffy nose and sinus problems, dry eyes (including two corneal abrasions), weight gain, dry skin, cold hands and feet, fatigue, tingling in a foot, flank pain, periodic swelling in hands and ankle and abdomen swelling/distention with narrowing stools, paresthesis, sometimes rapid heartbeat, and more symptoms.
My family doctor tested my thyroid, sed rates, rheumatoid factor, Sjogren’s antibody twice over 5 years and nothing turned up.
Finally my blood work dropped significantly! I went back to chart it over the past 5 years. My white blood count and neutrophils had been steadily dropping and my platelets, red blood count, hematocrit, etc. had dropped below normal too. My family doctor referred me to a Hematologist and I had to have a bone marrow biopsy and other tests. Nothing was found. I was then sent to a Rheumatologist and he found nothing. After about $12,000 worth of tests I knew nothing.
In the meantime I researched this and found that the Lisinopril can cause neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and bone marrow depression and most of the other symptoms I was having. None of the doctors looked at the drug or even considered it. In looking back… just before the blood took a dive I asked to be taken off the HCTZ because of the severe dryness I was having and the doc increased my dosage of Lisinopril.
I stopped the Lisinopril on my own! I called my doctor and told him to give me something else because I wanted off this drug! But the new medicine had a lot of the same side effects so I went cold turkey for about 10 days so I would know if it was the Lisinopril that was causing any of these problems.
Within two days I was able to breathe better than I had for years, cough and drainage gone, the tingling in my foot stopped, my energy returned, I dropped about 10 pounds over 3 months without trying, the dryness improved, etc. What a relief to be feeling normal again!!!
Why aren’t doctors paying more attention to drug side effects? Why did I have to research this and demand a change in my medication?
Jg
Prescribed lisinopril 3 days ago. Terrible cough, sore throat and watering eyes woke me up the first night. Happened again the second night. Chest heavy. Hate these symptoms. Is it too soon to just stop taking and ask the doctor to try me on something else?
A doc you are not going to like
to Eileen – you can’t get into you doc till next month? Get used to it. Doctors have not been going into primary care for several years do to all the hassle with insurance, paperwork and the government. There has been some increase in applicants recently but it won’t be enough once Obamacare kicks in and we suddenly have 20 million more patients to see. In a few years you will see a PA or NP (no necessarily a bad thing) and probably not the doc because he will only be seeing the sickest of the sickest.
Eileen
I didn’t start having this persistent cough until the doctor prescribe Benazepril on February 5th. I too am experiencing persistent cough day and night, and it’s causing me to get a sore throat, and my chest hurt, and a runny nose. Unfortunately, because I’m a new patient. I wasn’t able to schedule an appointment to see the doctor until Friday, March 30th, to see if the doctor can change my medication. This persistent coughing is really affecting my daily life.
A doc you are not going to like
1-I always warn my patients that they may develop a cough when you start an ACE inhibitor. 10% of the time it will cause a cough
2-We use ACE inhibitors a lot because they happen to SAVE LIVES! PERIOD! They are also dirt cheap.
3-Most coughs are due to post sinus drainge which can be difficult to prove and treat
4-If you want to get treated “all naturally” then see a homeopath and don’t waste my time. When you come to me and ask for that kind of treatment, it’s like going to a cabinet maker and asking him to tile your bathroom. That’s not the kind of work I do! Some MDs do a lot with homepathic remedies because it’s avant garde and it makes a lot of money – it’s all cash and insurance won’t pay for it – and you suckers fall for it hook line and sinker.
5-If you don’t like my advice then go somewhere else – I have way more than enough work on my hands with people who are willing to work with me on their medical care and not complain about it on a blog behind my back!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Dear Doc,
We appreciate your candor about ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and ramipril. The actual incidence of cough remains somewhat controversial. That may be because clinical trials are not as good as we would like when it comes to picking up adverse reactions. Even at 10 percent, though, that is a LOT of coughing.
If you check the various threads on this website about ACEIs and cough you will discover how terribly disruptive it can be for people. It can:
1) Keep them awake at night
2) Lead to vomiting
3) Lead to incontinence
4) Destroy the quality of their lives.
You may warn your patients in advance…but surprisingly, many of your colleagues do not warn their patients. And when people start complaining about coughing, they are not infrequently referred to allergists and worked up for everything under the sun without having their prescription changed. That seems like bad medicine to us. Your thoughts?
“Homeopathy” has become a catch-all term for anything alternative or “natural.” If you are lumping the DASH diet, exercise, weight loss, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback and dietary interventions (beet juice for example) into that basket and dismissing it out of hand, we think you are missing out on an opportunity to work with your patients.
We recognize that medications for hypertension are valuable, but they can be employed along with a variety of other strategies. Patients need health coaches to lose weight and adopt healthier lifestyles. That is not something that is generally taught in medical school. Too many drugs for high blood pressure cause unpleasant side effects:
• Sexual dysfunction
• Hair loss
• Swollen ankles and fluid retention
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Loss of potassium & magnesium
• Lipid abnormalities
• Cold hands and feet
• Dizziness
• Elevated blood sugar
It takes a partnership between physicians and patients to find the right medicine that won’t ruin the quality of a person’s life.
michelle
I am on BP med and I hate it.
I have tried vits, minerals but didn’t have good results. What are you taking the help you? I know you are not a DR. and I am not going to stop my meds cold. But I want to talk to my DR. about some other alternatives. Thank you Michelle.
Karen
I also got a terrible cough on an ACE, Trandolopril.
I switched to Diovan (an ARB ) which sent me to the ER with a HR of 200 and chest pain.
I was then switched to Verapamil and Benicar (also an ARB) I have been taking these for 3 years. I have now all of a sudden developed the EXACT same throat “tickle” that I had on the ACE inhibitors and non-stop coughing that is intolerable (on the Benicar.) I also have a continuous runny nose.
A listed side effect of ARBs is chronic bronchitis and runny nose. You can also develop a cough with an ARB tho it is “less likely” but it does happen. Don’t let anyone tell you it doesn’t.
ann
I just realized after months that my cough (thought it was allergies) was caused by an increase in my Benazepril prescription…. going to ask my Dr. to change my medication. Meanwhile, I have found Listerine strips VERY helpful in controlling my cough… have them by my bedside and insert one on the back of my tongue when a coughing fit occurs!
RJ
My grandmother (86) was recently hospitalized, and the hospital doctor switched out ALL her medications and added a few more. She now takes Diovan, Amlodipine, Metoprolol, Haloperidol, Celexa and low dose aspirin. Since taking the new medications, she has had the awful coughing with watering eyes and runny nose, muscle weakness, confusion, and her hands shake. The doctor reduced the Haldol from 3x a day to twice a day which reduced the confusion, but she still has the deep choking cough and muscle weakness.
Kathleen
SoCal
RJ~I realize this reply is probably too late for your grandmother but perhaps can help others. Why would any doctor prescribe an anti-psychotic (Haloperidol “Haldol”) to a fragile, elder which is known to cause tardive (shaking which often becomes permanent) and emotional deadness? And, several times daily? OMG, this is insane. I cannot speak to the other drugs but have personally witnessed the damage Haldol can do (only used for an uncontrollable person who is a danger to self or others and then only 1 pill for the episode). I feel so sorry for grandmother. The doctor needs a taste of his own medicine!
CLO
I took 2 different ACE drugs, developed the cough which was worse at night, would wake up coughing. The MD switched my to an ARB-Lotensin for the next 6 months, felt like I had swelling or lump in the back of my throat and a dry cough during the day and night although not as severe. It was during the winter season, thought it was something else.
I went back to the doctor asked to be switched to HCTZ. Gee every symptom went away. But it took some convincing the MD. I wish that physicians/pharmacist would listen more carefully to patients. They are not always correct and not every patient will fit into the cookie cutter mold of side effects that are published by the drug manufactures for their selling capabilities.
GRD
I too have had very violent reactions to many ACE inhibitors (like the cough among other problems) and CC blockers and one or more other types. I am now on acebutolol (it’s cheap too) and all my problems went away. What is needed here, and what I have done, is to make sure that when you go to the doctor and you are first interviewed by the nurse, make sure you tell her about your reaction to the particular drug you have problems with.
This will get their attention to be sure.
Good luck.
Jeanne A.M.
I am prediabetic, take simvastatin and b/p meds and unable to walk anymore. Having awful time with dry skin flaking every time I scratch the itch, especially legs and some parts of the arms. Notice small bumps on the legs and feet which may be my age (83) but before my blood sugar was so high, never noticed especially dry flaky skin. Is it from the high blood sugar? Or could it be circulation problems from being sedentary. Have had polio hit me at 25 yrs age, then much later, post polio started weakening me again. Could poor circulation cause this dry scaly flaky skin?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: POOR CIRCULATION MIGHT CAUSE DRY FLAKY SKIN. BE SURE TO USE A STRONG MOISTURIZER EVERY DAY. IF IT IS NOT SIMPLY DRY SKIN, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HIGH BLOOD SUGAR IS CONTRIBUTING TO YEAST OVERGROWTH THAT LEADS TO ITCHING AND FLAKES. IF YOU CAN LOWER IT, SEE IF THAT HELPS. IT MAY TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS.
Deborah
I have just been switched from Lisonopril to a calcium channel blocker because I have developed a cough that was totally debilitating. I still have the cough after 2 weeks of switching and my doctor is going to watch to see if it subsides. I stopped going to church and getting my hair done and most social activities because when the cough comes on everyday I go into a “fit” of coughing that will not stop until I cough so hard I sometimes throw up. I am exhausted and praying for an end to living like this.
CW
What natural supplements worked for your blood pressure and were they in addition to any other drug for blood pressure?
Thanks!
BZ
I couldn’t believe that no one mentioned the fact that Lisonopril will also make your hair fall out. It was my only medication and it worked well for the B/P but after a few months, my hair started falling out. I stopped the Lisonpril and the hair has stopped falling out but has not grown back in yet. (about 2 months) Could be a coincidence but I don’t think so.
JUDY
Anyone notice hair loss, itchy eyes and scalp?
Neil, M.D.
Diovan is NOT an ace inhibitor. It has a similar mechanism of action, affecting angiotensin, but typically does not have the same side effects as an ace, and it is common practice to substitute an angiotensin II receptor blocker like Diovan for an ace like lisinopril because of that very reason. This is not to say that it is impossible that it caused a cough though.
JS
I took Lisinopril for one year with no problem–it was cheap and it worked. I developed a dreadful cough in August. I wasn’t sick with a cold, didn’t feel bad, had never had allergies, I just had a horrific dry cough. I happened to see my cardiologist socially in October and mentioned the cough, but never suspecting the Lisinopril. He immediately asked which meds he had me on and said to stop taking the Lisinopril immediately, that he would change the meds–that the Lisinopril was causing the cough.
It took 3 1/2 weeks, but thankfully the dreaded cough is gone. Evidently the “pril” drugs are supposed to be the ones that cause the cough.
jls
I, too, have The cough after 2 months on Lisinopril. I now, 2 months later. have muscle aching and foot and leg cramps. I started with curry daily and it has brought down my BP by 20 points to 120/80 and I am now looking for other natural ways to keep it down so I can get off my meds. Which supplements did you find most useful? Thank you for any additional information.
Jand
My doctor changed my prescription from Enalapril (again) to Tekturna 300mg. I took it for 3 months and developed the most horrendous deep, eruptive cough. I thought it was whooping cough; had a chest x-ray and and my lungs were clear. So he changed my prescription back to Enalapril 20mg 2XD, which I obtained at Wal-mart, and my cough is disappearing. I will not allow him to change my meds again. I would rather have the high BP than have the cough.
Anonymous
An ACE-i is the FIRST antihypertensive drug to try in MOST cases (especially to protect the kidneys). There are many generic ACE-i on the market–and that is why so many MD’s prescribe it as a first line drug. If a person does develop an ACE-i cough (or other bothersome side effects), it is perfectly reasonable to replace the ACE-i with something else–such as an ‘ARB’ It used to be that the only ARBs available were in brand name form.
Recently, however, losartan potassium is available, which is generic and insurance companies are not balking at the price anymore. An ARB also has properties that spare the kidneys damage.
It is worth mentioning to your MD–but she has the entire picture of your health, and that is a decision to be made between the both of you.
Best of Health!
Greg Pharmacy Student
Shirley C.
There is a product called Diabetic Tussin that is sold in most stores.
Most cough syrups have sugar in them; diabetics tend to avoid excess sugar. However if you are a diabetic you know that sugar is not banned from your diet, so any cough product is acceptable to take.
Tablets for cough like the Coricidin would avoid much of the sugar in syrups.
There are no cough preparations that severally affect diabetics because of medications they are on or diabetes itself.
Shirley C.
What Over the Counter drugs can a diabetic take for cough?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: MOST OF THE OTC COUGH MEDICINES CONTAIN EITHER MENTHOL OR DEXTROMETHORPHAN. DM IS VERY BITTER, SO THEY USUALLY SWEETEN THOSE QUITE A BIT.
WHY NOT TRY THYME TEA? 1/2 TSP THYME STEEPED 5 MIN IN A CUP OF BOILED WATER. NO SUGAR, NO EFFECT ON BLOOD SUGAR, OFTEN (NOT ALWAYS) HELPS COUGH
CDW
The article was about the ACE cough but that is the least of my worries. After 2 weeks on 10mg Lisinopril I started having episodes of a severely pounding heart alternating with periods of strong anxiety attacks. I put up with it for a week before stopping the drug. The problems continued for weeks after, and may be still happening at a much lower level today!
The scary thing was that my bp skyrocketed! 7 weeks after stopping I hit 191/110 with a pulse of 104. Now with a new doctor I have been on a beta blocker, a beta blocker with low dose ACE, the low dose ACE alone, a low dose calcium channel blocker and a higher dose calcium channel blocker. My bp is barely controlled while the side effects like anxiety, muscle aches and abdominal discomfort are constant and almost debilitating.
I’ve been so tired that I’ve nearly fallen asleep driving! The medical community needs to put effort into finding why bp changes. It doesn’t go up or down on its’ own. I wonder how many years I’ve lost due to the damage done by these drugs.
Lynne M
I started taking Lisnopril in 2009 and my doctor at that time warned me of the possible side effect of a dry cough. After about 2 months the coughing started. It was not too bad until it gradually worsened and achieved a level where it interfered with my life (and those around me). It did control the BP nicely so I was reluctant to switch, but did tell my physician. He then switched me to Amlodipine Besylate. It took about 3 months to work as well on controlling the BP. He encouraged me to wait and see…… and now, no coughing. I don’t seem to notice any other side effects either.
Marjorie
I have taken METOPROLOL TART 25mg for 6 months before I coughed. I gag, vomit clear mucus, my eyes run like water is pouring out, I get shortness of breath and I had to ride on an airplane recently. I was so embarrassed I know people thought I had a bad cold. I finally got to the family reunion and my cousins told me to stop taking the medicine.
One cousin said she had the same problem and stopped taking the meds. My sister says she has to keep sucking cough drops. I tried cough drops It does not help. My doctor told me I have an allergy. I am going to have to put my foot down with my doctor and demand another type of medicine.
I have printed out symptoms of other people to take to the doctor to show her that everyone can’t be wrong.I advise every one to do the same thing, print it out.
jmd
Like everyone else here I developed a horrible cough. Driving during an episode was horrible. I would gag (and a couple of times – vomit) I remembered one of the possible side effects for the lisinopril was a dry cough. I looked it up today, found this website and called my doctor to switch to a different type of blood pressure medicine.
It is Amlodipine Besylate I hope this one is better. I did want to note that I have never been on medication before and I did read through the warnings that came with it. Dry cough was definitely listed and it said to contact a doctor if it became distressful.
Ken
s.h.,
I have empathy for how you feel. I’ve had a dry cough since June 7th when I took my one and only dose of Lisinopril. It is much better now, but a couple of times a day it comes back and it’s miserable for me and anyone nearby.
If the only reason you switched from Diovan was the expense then I see no reason not to take the remaining tablets that you paid for. And go back to your doctor. If your complaints are dismissed as “psychological” and he or she refuses to prescribe another medication, then find another doctor. There are many BP meds and treatments. Your cough is real no matter what the cause is and you deserve relief.
s.h.
I was switched from diovan (out of pocket$$$ got too much $84.99) to lisinopril $4.00.(I am taking 1/2 of a 20mg tablet); My First dose was April 28, 2010. I woke up the next morning and the coughing started. (My family Dr. had said, yes, there was coughing as side effect but only lasted a short time.) The second week of May, I caught a virus going around with high fever and COUGHING so I took the meds and cough syrup with codeine and only THAT stopped my cough; I was actually experiencing two conditions at the same time, I guess. After I got better and the fever went away, I was still coughing; gut wrenching coughing with incontinence; that IS the worst part.
Now, here it is June 21, 2010 and I still have gut wrenching coughing; I WOKE up this morning and it felt like something was STUCK in my throat; and it makes talking sound hoarse, too. It starts all of a sudden; in my throat feels like a tarantula or something horrid is crawling around in there, scratching!!! then my eyes water and gush tears and the coughing fit starts; yesterday afternoon I had one that lasted 10 minutes! (husband told me); this is horrid; it has been almost two months!
HOW long before the coughing “goes away”??? When I was switched from Diovan (to save money) I put away 89 Diovan tablets ; I am tempted to start them and stop the lisinopril and see what happens; but, my Dr will probably think it is psychological!
Ken
Thanks for your comments Greg,
Managing a chronic condition like high BP simply can’t be successful with a magic pill, an office visit every few months and you do whatever you want in between. I never take a new medication without asking both the doctor and pharmacist about side effects and interactions with other drugs, foods and vitamin supplements. I weigh 150lbs, cycle 150mi/week, practice yoga and have been avoiding high sodium foods for years. Almost all restaurants are agreeable to preparing meals without seasoning or at least have reasonable alternatives.
I’m reluctantly to start another medication with dry cough as a side effect until the cough I have now is completely gone.
In the last month I’ve found that if I check my BP after 5 to 10 minutes of pranayama (controlled breathing) it is much lower — as low as 114/71. I sit upright in a comfortable position, close my eyes and breathe deeply and slowly but without strain or effort. Equal length inhalations and exhalations of about 10 seconds each works best for me. So 3 breaths per minute, but it has to be sustainable rate. My BP is also consistently lower after vigorous exercise.
I think the mental health aspects (stress, anxiety, depression, …) of high BP should receive more attention. Regular sessions with a counselor may be the most appropriate prescription.
Greg Pharmacy Student
Ken,
You make a lot of good points. It seems for you, Lisinopril was not the right choice. You should play a role in your own health care; most doctors would agree. (It’s less work for the doctor if you are active in your health care.)
ARBs don’t seem to cause a cough in as many people as people on Lisinopril.
Losing weight and avoiding salt in foods are both great ways to lower blood pressure.
Avoid salt and extra fat by starting to read nutrition labels on the foods you eat.
Ken
My doctor suggested that I take Lisinopril to lower my BP from 135/85 to the recommended 120/80. Well, exactly one hour after a single 10mg dose my BP had indeed dropped to 121/76, but a relentless dry cough started simultaneously. I stayed up all night coughing so hard that I threw up twice. I was worthless at work the next two days and then developed a severe headache and sinus pressure. I did not take a second dose.
The lower BP isn’t worth it. In fact I’ve proven that I can lower it as much with 10 minutes of Pranayama. OTC cough medicine helped for about 20 minutes; clover honey and whiskey before trying to go to sleep works as well and tastes much better.
This cough was not an annoying side effect that must be put up with!! It was debilitating and simply intolerable. Under no circumstances would I consider it a necessity to take this drug. If the sort of cough I had 5 days ago had continued a few more days with no relief I would have ended my life. I am completely serious. Four years ago I had retching hiccups for a full week and felt the same way — it had to stop. A brilliant PA prescribed a very low dose of thorazine, which worked.
I saw one of my doctor’s PA’s three days after the cough started and her response after consulting with my doc was to prescribe another BP med – an ARB. “If the cough persists it must be something else. Come back if it doesn’t stop.” I still haven’t decided if I’ll take the ARB when the cough finally subsides. But I will have a conversation with my pharmacist. And I think it may be time to find another doctor.
Your doctor is not your boss. She or he is presumably the informed person giving you sound advice. It’s your life and your decision whether to accept that advice or not. I’m not convinced that the benefits of 120/80 BP vs 135/85 are worth the risks of more experimentation.
If your doctor tells you that the ACE drug can’t be causing your cough, get up and walk out of the office. You and your insurance company should not have to pay for that office visit. There are many other medications and life style possibilities for lowering BP and many other doctors.
Greg Pharmacy Student
CPMT,
You likely were prescribed Lisinopril at a low dose, that will not lower your blood pressure that much.
This IS NOT for your triglycerides. But your diabetes and triglycerides are connected. You should control both. By controlling diabetes your triglycerides should improve.
Your doctor has you on Lisinopril to protect your kidneys. Drugs ARE bad, but having diabetes and kidney failure is MUCH worse.
Most people have NO problems with Lisinopril. This website makes side-effects seem like more of a problem than they are for most people.
Please take your Lisinopril.
cpmt
I don’t understand why my dr. has prescribed LISINOPRIL when I DO NOT HAVE HBP, I do have high triglycerides, she is worry about my heart because I am diabetic. Is this drug used also for triglycerides? I am afraid to use it, with all the potential negative side effects. Can I take something else that has less problems and is more natural?
PMK
I was prescribed Lisinopril a couple of years ago. My doctor warned me initially about the cough and asked me to let her know if I developed it. After being on the medication for about six weeks, I started coughing. I would normally start coughing about 4 in the afternoon. It would become progressively worse as the day went on. I could not sleep from the constant coughing. Cough suppressants soothed my raw throat some but had no affect on the cough.
At my next appointment, I told my doctor what was going on. She said, “No, this cough is not from the medicine.”
I discontinued the medicine because I would rather take my chances with HBP than live with the cough. I’m not sure how my blood pressure is doing, but I am cough free since I quit the Lisinopril.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA TO IGNORE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, AS IT COULD LEAD TO A STROKE OR HEART ATTACK. PLEASE DO CHECK IN WITH YOUR DOCTOR AGAIN AND REQUEST A DRUG THAT WILL NOT MAKE YOU COUGH. THERE ARE PLENTY.
K. Williams
Diovan is NOT an ACE inhibitor . It is in the class called Angiotension receptor blockers, ARBS. Developing a cough while using this is possible but not a common side effect at all. I would have this cough checked out as there may be another reason for your cough.
Greg Pharmacy Student
Jand,
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It really helps me as a future pharmacist. Just because a medication isn’t “supposed to” do something or have a side-effect doesn’t mean it isn’t the cause of the problem.
Respectfully,
Greg, now Doctor of Pharmacy :)
Jand
All I know is when I got my prescription filled thru MEDCO, I coughed all the time and when I got it filled at Wal-mart the coughing stopped. My husband had his filled at Wal-mart for a long time & when he changed to MEDCO his coughing started. When he changed back to Wal-mart the coughing stopped. Thanks for the info on the numbers.
J.
Jand,
I’m glad to here that your cough has gone away. It is not likely that changing the manufacturer was the real solution, as a cough is possible with all ACE Inhibitors.
Sometimes the cough will just go away. Sometimes a stopping the medication and re-starting can stop the cough too.
A NABP number is a National Boards of Pharmacy number and is unique for each pharmacy, not for each medication.
Jand
My husband & I both take BP meds and both coughed a lot.
The culprit was:
Enalapril 20mg, manufactured by TEVA.
When the doctor changed the prescription to:
Enalapril 20mg, Tab APA, NABP: 1528910
The cough stopped completely and our blood pressure was controlled to & below the accepted standards. It seems that the manufacturers used different ingredients.
Greg Pharmacy Student
Ruth W.,
Diovan is NOT an ACE Inhibitor, but an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker). ARB’s like Diovan and Cozaar ARE NOT associated with a cough like ACE Inhibitors are.
The above summary is also not correct; it was suggested that if lisinopril caused a cough switching to ramapril would offer no benefit, this exact situation is often helpful.
Sometimes it is necessary to take an ACE Inhibitor even if it causes a cough. Compared to all the benefits of ACE Inhibitors a cough is often an annoying side-effect that must be put up with.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: COUGH IS MUCH LESS COMMON WITH ARBS, BUT IT DOES TROUBLE A FEW PATIENTS. PLEASE TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THE COUGH.
D.M.T.
She is correct, Lisinopril caused a horrible cough that I put up with for a over a year — couldn’t take it anymore, I’m on a better medicine and cough off and on, not all the time, Norvasc. I’m having a constant runny nose, not sure if this is the cause. Does anyone have that problem? I also think it could be from using face creams and makeup.
NGT
After suffering horrific effects from blood pressure medication (an eight-year bout with lupus that turned out to be caused by Apresoline (hydralizine), I was switched to Vasotec. The lupus subsided and my blood pressure was perfectly controlled. I did develop the ACE inhibitor cough. I was never without sugar-free lozenges in my pocket and by my bedside.
Then my health-care provider switched me from Vasotec to lisinopril hctz (it is MUCH
cheaper). And my cough completely disappeared. My blood pressure has stayed stable (115/70) for the last five years on lisinopril hctz; the cough is completely gone. The prescription costs me $20.00 per year. That’s right: twenty dollars!
I guess this just means that everyone is different.
fbl
Not only did I start to get a cough but after 14 days on Lisinopril at the smallest dose, my legs started aching, burning and throbbing. They became so weak I could hardly stand. Once I connected the dots I stopped the medication but the effect didn’t go away. It took weeks for the aching to subside and the weakness and ache was almost impossible to live with. Acupuncture helped but I have had to repeat the sessions about every six months just to stay standing.
No the drug did NOT lower my BP either. I’ve tried three meds and all of them gave me terrible adverse effects. I have added natural supplements and my pressure is now great!
SNH
It is incredible to me that physicians don’t think FIRST about B/P meds when presented with a troublesome cough. It’s the first question I ask someone when they complain about one. And it would be the easiest and cheapest cause to treat. I wonder sometimes if that’s why they don’t.
I have an elderly friend whose cough I feel with some certainty is related to her B/P med. At my urging, she dutifully asked her doctor, who said it wasn’t. I dutifully shut up, because I don’t like to undermine people’s confidence in their doc, and also don’t like second-guessing them with insufficient information. Several tests and scopes later, she was given a diagnosis that is not specific, and inhaler meds.
I would have had more confidence in the guy had he changed her B/P med just to see. If she were my mother, or had she asked me to be more involved, I would have insisted, or sought a different doc.
Ruth W.
I too have a cough. I take Diovan which is not on your list, but is also an ACE inhibitor. Been taking it for a couple of years. It starts as a tickle and becomes a cough. Used to take Monopril which caused the same thing.
Anne
I am one of the fortunate ones. My doctor prescribed one of these drugs a few years ago. This ghastly cough began right away and I went back and told him that when I stopped taking it, the cough disappeared and please prescribe something else. He responded, “Oh yes, that is a common side effect!” I had guessed it immediately, and he was aware of the problem. Whew!
cpmt
In this country doctors like to prescribe medicines (many without knowledge of their serious side effects) Not like in Europe, there are more careful prescribing drugs -may be because they don’t get any benefits from the drug companies.? – I notice this here in the US, several of my doctors prescribing medication BEFORE they find out that I really needed them.