PEOPLE’S PHARMACY: ACE inhibitors may cause chronic cough

BY JOE GRAEDON

Q: I started taking lisinopril for high blood pressure. Soon after, I developed a nagging dry cough that wouldn’t stop. I have thrown up because the coughing was so bad. I also have had blood tests and chest X-rays. They all came back negative.

In desperation, I went to an ear, nose and throat specialist, who told me this kind of cough is common in people my age (50) due to postnasal drip. I learned on your Web site that lisinopril can cause a chronic cough. I have not gotten a good night’s sleep in five months, and I am furious that none of the doctors I’ve seen suggested changing this drug. Can I control my blood pressure without medicine?

A: Don’t stop the lisinopril on your own, but do discuss this issue with your physician and request a different medication. ACE inhibitor hypertension drugs like lisinopril can cause a very persistent cough in susceptible people. Many nondrug approaches can help lower blood pressure. Adopting one or more might allow you to get by on a lower dose of medication or to phase off it, with your doctor’s help.

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. They can be reached at peoplespharmacy@gmail.com.