Characterization of cough associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Chronic cough is a side effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class of antihypertensives. The cough is thought to be a result of inhibition of the enzymes that break down some of the mediators of inflammation, such as the bradykinins and tachykinins. We report 20 patients with chronic cough caused by ACE inhibitors and some of the characteristics of the cough. The cough is typically dry, nonproductive, and worse at night. Interference with sleep is common and was severe in three patients. Women outnumbered men in this series: urinary stress incontinence developed in five, rectal and vaginal prolapse developed in one. Three patients felt they were incapacitated by the cough. Most had been on multiple medications; only oxycodone was reported to be effective in controlling the cough, and four patients thought they were addicted to that. All coughs resolved with withdrawal of the ACE inhibitor. Chronic cough is common among individuals taking ACE inhibitors. It may be severe and associated with complications. The incidence and potential severity is understated in drug information sources, and patients and physicians often fail to recognize cough as a drug side effect.