Cough with angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors

Since there are isolated case reports linking cough with angiotensin converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treatment, we reviewed the case notes of patients attending a hypertension outpatient clinic. Of 126 patients, 37 were on medications other than ACE inhibitors, and none complained of cough. In contrast, 12 of 89 patients receiving an ACE inhibitor had noted cough. The symptoms remained when one ACE inhibitor was substituted for another, but disappeared when the drug was withdrawn. Cough was sufficiently irritating to require cessation of treatment in two patients. We conclude that cough is not uncommon during treatment with ACE inhibitors.