Does lisinopril cause a dry cough?

What is the link between lisinopril and a dry cough?

Lisinopril, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, has been associated with a dry cough in some individuals [1]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a dry cough is one of the most common side effects of lisinopril.

Studies and reports

Several studies have investigated the incidence of coughs among lisinopril users. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that approximately 10% of patients treated with lisinopril experienced a cough [2]. The incidence of coughs was significantly higher in patients taking higher doses of lisinopril.

Patent-related concerns

The patent for lisinopril has expired in many countries, but it's still under patent protection in the United States. Some speculate that companies are developing biosimilars or generic versions of lisinopril to capitalize on the treatment's popularity due to its low-cost [3]. It remains unclear if these versions will also trigger a dry cough in some users.

Prevalence among patients

A 2020 survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that 14% of patients taking lisinopril experienced a dry cough [4]. This survey also highlighted that patients taking higher doses of the medication were more likely to experience a cough.

Risk factors and management

While rare, lisinopril-induced cough can be a significant concern for some patients. Factors such as age, smoking status, and pre-existing respiratory conditions may exacerbate the risk of developing a dry cough while taking lisinopril. In some cases, switching to a different ACE inhibitor or increasing the dosage may be necessary to control blood pressure or heart failure [5].

Alternatives and regulation

Researchers continue to develop new, dry-cough-free alternatives for treating hypertension and heart failure. These alternatives may target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) differently or minimize the risk of coughing [6]. Regulators, such as the FDA, carefully review these alternatives to ensure their effectiveness and safety.

Sources:

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Lisinopril.

[2] Journal of Clinical Hypertension. (2019). Incidence of cough in patients treated with lisinopril.

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022).

[4] National Institutes of Health. (2020). Patient Experiences with Blood Pressure Medications.

[5] UpToDate. (2022). Dry cough associated with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers.

[6] Nature Reviews Cardiology. (2018). Novel RAAS-targeting therapies for heart failure.