Do Blood Pressure Medications Cause Coughing Side Effects?

Q: Do Blood Pressure Medications Cause Coughing Side Effects?

Hello, in response to your question： The medication Zestril, which is an ACE inhibitor for your mother's hypertension, has a side effect of causing cough. <br>You can inform the doctor about your mother's situation, and the doctor may switch her to another medication with fewer c

Are there any side effects of coughing?

Could you please tell me if any of the following medications that my mother has been taking for hypertension—Norvasc, ZesTRIL, or Natrilix SR—can cause a cough? Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/05/19

Dr. Zhang Jinteng reply Pharmacology

Hello, in response to your question: The medication Zestril, which is an ACE inhibitor for your mother's hypertension, has a side effect of causing cough.
You can inform the doctor about your mother's situation, and the doctor may switch her to another medication with fewer cough-related side effects.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2005/05/19

More Info

Blood pressure medications can indeed cause coughing as a side effect, but the likelihood and mechanism depend on the specific class of medication being used. In your mother's case, she is taking Norvasc (Amlodipine), ZesTRIL (Lisinopril), and Natrilix SR (Indapamide). Let's break down the potential for coughing associated with these medications.

1. Norvasc (Amlodipine): This medication belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. Generally, Amlodipine is not associated with causing a cough. Its primary side effects include swelling (edema), flushing, and palpitations, but coughing is not a common issue with this drug.

2. ZesTRIL (Lisinopril): This medication is an ACE inhibitor, which is well-known for potentially causing a dry cough in some patients. The cough occurs in approximately 20% of patients taking ACE inhibitors. The mechanism behind this is related to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can cause inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract. If your mother is experiencing a persistent cough, it is likely due to Lisinopril.

3. Natrilix SR (Indapamide): This medication is a thiazide-like diuretic. Diuretics are not typically associated with cough as a side effect. They primarily work by helping the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium, which can help lower blood pressure. Common side effects include electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and increased urination, but coughing is not a recognized side effect.

Given this information, if your mother is experiencing a cough, it is most likely related to her use of ZesTRIL (Lisinopril). If the cough is bothersome, it would be advisable for her to consult her healthcare provider. The doctor may consider switching her to an alternative class of medication, such as an Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which does not typically cause cough. Examples of ARBs include Losartan and Valsartan.

In summary, while Norvasc and Natrilix SR are unlikely to cause coughing, ZesTRIL (Lisinopril) is a common culprit. It is essential for your mother to discuss her symptoms with her healthcare provider, who can evaluate her situation and make appropriate adjustments to her medication regimen. Managing blood pressure effectively while minimizing side effects is crucial for her overall health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Cough Side Effects from Diabetes and Hypertension Medications

My father is taking medication for diabetes and has previously taken medication due to a bacterial infection from a prostate examination. Recently, he has been coughing frequently (he has quit smoking). A while ago, I read in the newspaper that there is a medication for diabetes ...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
A class of antihypertensive medications is known to commonly cause cough; these medications are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Common examples include Capoten, Renitec, Zestril, Tritace, and Acertil.

Managing Cough and Chest Pain While on Blood Pressure Medication

Hello doctor, I have been taking 5 mg of Candesartan. Recently, due to the colder weather, I have been coughing frequently with clear or white phlegm, and I don't have much nasal discharge. I might have strained myself from coughing too hard, as my ribs are a bit painful whe...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, regarding the examination for asthma, theoretically, this medication should not interact with other medications. The clinic has informed me that if you are taking antihypertensive medications, there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Do Cold Medications Raise Blood Pressure? Key Drugs to Watch Out For

Hello: I would like to ask if common medications we take for colds, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, pain relievers, and antibiotics, can cause high blood pressure. If so, which specific medications are likely to have this effect? Thank you!

Dr. Liao Lingmei reply Pharmacology
Dear Ms. Avon, I believe you understand that the term "cold medicine" is a general classification. For the treatment of colds, physicians typically select medications based on the patient's condition, including antipyretics and analgesics (pain relievers), antihis...

Managing Cough and Throat Irritation from Blood Pressure Medications

Dr. Zhong: Hello, I have been taking high blood pressure medication Encine (Aspirin 100mg) and Sintec (5mg) for about 20 days, and I have developed a dry cough that is persistent and my throat is itchy, making it very uncomfortable. I informed my primary care physician, who menti...

Dr. Zhong Yuxun reply Cardiology
Dear Mrs. Lin, Sintec is classified as an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI), and approximately 30% of Chinese individuals may experience a dry cough as a side effect. Cozaar, on the other hand, is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) and has very few side effect...