Enalapril Cough: Why It Happens and What to Do
When you take Enalapril, a common ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Also known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, it works by relaxing blood vessels—but for some people, it triggers a persistent, dry cough that won’t go away. This isn’t an allergy. It’s a direct side effect of how the drug changes chemicals in your body, especially bradykinin, which builds up and irritates your airways. About 1 in 5 people on Enalapril or similar drugs like lisinopril or ramipril will get this cough. It’s not dangerous, but it’s annoying—and it can make you want to stop taking a medicine that’s keeping your heart healthy.
That cough usually starts within days or weeks of starting the drug, but sometimes it shows up months later. It’s dry, scratchy, and doesn’t produce mucus. You won’t have a fever or sore throat. If you’re on Enalapril and suddenly can’t stop coughing, especially at night or when lying down, this is likely the cause. The good news? It stops within days after you stop the drug. The tricky part? You can’t just quit cold turkey. High blood pressure needs steady control. That’s why you need to talk to your doctor before switching. They might switch you to an ARB, a different class of blood pressure medication called an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Also known as like losartan or valsartan, ARBs work similarly to Enalapril but rarely cause coughing. Other options include calcium channel blockers or diuretics, depending on your overall health. This isn’t about finding a "better" drug—it’s about finding the right one for your body.
Some people try to tough it out, thinking the cough is "just a side effect" and not worth the hassle. But if you’re losing sleep, coughing so hard you hurt your ribs, or avoiding social situations because of it, that’s not normal tolerance—that’s a sign your body is telling you something. And if you’ve had this cough for more than a few weeks, it’s not going away on its own while you’re still taking Enalapril. You don’t need to live with it. Your doctor can help you switch safely without risking your blood pressure control. Many patients feel like a new person after switching to an ARB—no more cough, same protection for their heart.
Below, you’ll find real patient experiences, comparisons with other blood pressure meds, and clear guidance on how to talk to your doctor about this issue. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t—when Enalapril cough gets in the way of your daily life.
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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