ACE Inhibitor Cough: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What to Do
When you take an ACE inhibitor, a class of blood pressure medications that block the angiotensin-converting enzyme to relax blood vessels. Also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they’re one of the most common prescriptions for high blood pressure and heart failure. But for about 1 in 5 people, they come with a side effect that’s annoying, persistent, and often mistaken for a cold: a dry, hacking cough.
This cough isn’t caused by an infection. It’s a direct reaction to how ACE inhibitors work. These drugs stop the body from breaking down a substance called bradykinin. When bradykinin builds up, it irritates nerves in the airways, triggering that constant tickle in your throat. It doesn’t come with fever, congestion, or mucus—it’s just a dry cough that won’t go away, even after weeks. People often blame allergies, pollution, or postnasal drip, but if you started the cough after beginning an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril, enalapril, or ramipril, it’s probably the drug. This isn’t rare. Studies show up to 35% of users report it, especially women and people of Asian descent. And unlike side effects that fade with time, this one usually sticks around until you stop the medicine.
Switching meds isn’t always easy. ACE inhibitors are often chosen because they protect the kidneys and reduce heart strain better than other options. But if the cough is ruining your sleep or making you avoid social situations, you don’t have to live with it. There are alternatives—like ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)—that work similarly but rarely cause coughing. Losartan and valsartan are common picks. They block the same pathway but skip the bradykinin buildup. Many patients switch and never look back. Still, some try to manage the cough with cough suppressants or humidifiers. Those rarely help much. The real fix is changing the medication, not masking the symptom.
What you’ll find below are real stories and practical guides from people who’ve dealt with this exact issue. You’ll see how others identified the link between their meds and their cough, what they tried before switching, and how they moved to safer options without losing blood pressure control. There’s no fluff here—just clear, no-nonsense advice from folks who’ve been there.
Enalapril-Induced Cough: Causes, Prevention, and Relief
Posted By Kieran Beauchamp On 24 Oct 2025 Comments (5)
Learn why Enalapril often triggers a dry cough, how bradykinin causes it, and practical steps-dose tweaks, ARB switches, and home remedies-to relieve the irritation.
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