Ramipril

[hardy49]

I have been taking Ramipril to help lower my blood pressure.Whilst it seems to be doing the job,unfortunately I have developed a tickly,annoying cough.I read that this can be part of the side effects of the drug but do you think it is harmful,and should I ask for an alternative.

[LazyGun]

A dry, persistent, tickly cough is a recognised, common ( ie 1 in 100) or so side effect of a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, of which Ramipril is probably the best known.Much work has been done to identify what is going on, and it appears that the action of ACE inhibitors allows for an accumulation of substances that would otherwise be metabolised, and stimulate nerve fibres. If the cough is sufficiently persistent, frequent or irritating enough to effect your or your families quality of life, then it is definitely worth discussing a possible change of medication with your GP.

There are other classes of drug, such as angiotensin -II receptor agonists ( Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, or ARB) that your GP might feel is appopriate for your condition.

[hardy49]

Many thanks

[ethandron]

i found that the cough wears off though, after about 3-6 months. each time i had the dose increased the cough came back for a while but then disappeared. i don't have the cough at all now, i'm on 7.5 of ramipril.

[hardy49]

Thank you