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Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced cough
A L Hume1, J L Murphy, S E Lauerman
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Rhode Island, Kingston 02881-0810.
Pharmacotherapy
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) can cause a persistent dry cough, leading to other health issues. Discontinuing the medication often resolves the cough and related complications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Hypertension and congestive heart failure are common conditions often treated with medications.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a widely prescribed class of drugs for these conditions.
- Adverse drug reactions can significantly impact patient health and quality of life.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman developed a persistent dry cough 12 days after starting enalapril for hypertension.
- The cough led to stress incontinence and a decline in functional status.
- The cough recurred within 24 hours of starting captopril for congestive heart failure, resolving upon discontinuation of both drugs.
Findings:
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of ACE inhibitors: drug-induced cough.
- The cough appears to be specific to the pharmacologic class of ACE inhibitors rather than an individual drug.
- The mechanism and exact frequency of ACE inhibitor-induced cough are not fully understood, but it often appears early in treatment.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider ACE inhibitor-induced cough in patients presenting with a dry cough, even if it is not a commonly recognized side effect.
- Recognizing this side effect can prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and inappropriate treatments.
- Managing adverse drug reactions promptly is crucial for maintaining patient quality of life and functional status.