Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
How Common Is Lisinopril Cough?
With that being said, different groups of people are more vulnerable to this side effect.
Are All ACE Inhibitors the Same?
Why Does Lisinopril Cough Happen?
A lisinopril cough is because of the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors.
By increasing blood flow, blood pressure is decreased.
ACE inhibitors like lisinopril work by blocking a substance called angiotensin-converting enzyme.
But angiotensin II has other functions in the body.
Among them, it breaks down a compound calledbradykininthat the body uses to instigateinflammation.
By decreasing angiotensin II levels, ACE inhibitors allow bradykinin levels to increase.
In the airways, the accumulation of bradykinin triggersbronchoconstriction, or the narrowing of the airways.
A persistent, dry cough is the consequence.
The symptom often gets worse at night.
Most people who get a cough while taking ACE inhibitors have multiple risk factors.
Can Lisinopril Cough Be Treated?
However, that may not be a reasonable option.
In the United States, ACE inhibitors are regarded as the first-line option for treating hypertension and heart failure.
The only way to treat a lisinopril cough is to stop taking the drug.
However, you better weigh the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before deciding to do so.
2014 Aug 22;2014(8):CD009096.
