Have you started taking lisinopril and now have a dry cough? It can be really annoying and make your days uncomfortable. You might feel frustrated and worry about your health. Stopping lisinopril isn’t always the best choice for you.
But what can you do to stop the cough without quitting your medicine? It’s tough when a simple cough affects your life so much.
In this article, you will discover easy solutions and alternatives to manage your dry cough. You’ll learn about medicines and home remedies that can help you breathe easier and live more comfortably.
| 🔑Key Takeaways ➤ You might get a dry cough from taking lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor. ➤ Regular cough medicines don’t usually help with this kind of cough, but specific treatments like cromolyn, baclofen, or sulindac may work. ➤ Cromolyn sodium is a safe option for some, but its effectiveness and side effects still need more research. ➤ Baclofen has helped reduce coughs in studies, but it takes weeks to see real improvements. ➤ Sulindac may raise the trigger for coughing but doesn’t reduce how often or hard you cough. ➤ Home remedies like honey, turmeric, peppermint, and marshmallow root can ease your symptoms naturally. ➤ Switching to ARBs or CCBs can help if your cough becomes too severe, as they don’t cause coughs like ACE inhibitors do. ➤ If you experience serious side effects like swelling or high potassium levels, you should stop lisinopril immediately and talk to your doctor. |
Managing ACE Inhibitor-Induced Cough Without Stopping Treatment
Cough medicines do not usually help with coughs caused by ACE inhibitors like lisinopril.
However, when stopping ACE inhibitors isn’t the best option, doctors can prescribe other medicines specifically aimed at reducing this type of cough. These treatments work in different ways and may provide relief even when standard cough remedies are ineffective.
These include:
- Cromolyn
- Baclofen
- Sulindac
Cromolyn
Cromolyn sodium shows potential as a treatment for ACE inhibitor-induced cough, but the evidence is limited. The treatment appears to be relatively safe. Research on cromolyn for other conditions has shown only mild side effects, making it a low-risk choice.
However, the study noted gaps in data regarding specific adverse effects for cough treatment. Dosage guidance is also unclear.
Baclofen
This might grab your attention if you’ve ever struggled with a stubborn cough that just won’t go away despite medication. In a study, out of 16 patients, 12 completed the treatment with Baclofen. Remarkably, cough symptoms disappeared or improved in 56.3% of the participants. Interestingly, improvements didn’t happen overnight.
The study found that cough symptoms began to ease by the second week of treatment, with significant changes by week six. By week eight, the benefits peaked, showing the importance of sticking with the treatment over time.
Sulindac
A study investigated how sulindac, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), affects coughing triggered by capsaicin, a compound known to induce cough reflexes. The findings showed that sulindac significantly increased the threshold for the capsaicin-induced cough reflex. It implies that sulindac made it harder for the participants to start coughing in response to capsaicin.
However, the drug did not make a difference in other key measures, such as the total number of coughs or the peak intensity of the cough reflex. These results suggest that while sulindac may raise the bar for what triggers a cough, it does not seem to reduce how much or how hard you cough once the reflex is activated.
Home Remedies to Manage Dry Cough
Dealing with a dry cough can be tough, especially if medications like lisinopril are the cause. Luckily, nature provides several safe and easy remedies.
Whether you prefer something sweet, spicy, or soothing, these options can ease your symptoms and help you feel better.
Honey
Honey is a great choice for both adults and children over one year old. It has antibacterial properties and coats your throat to reduce irritation.
A study looked at how well honey relieved nighttime coughs in children with upper respiratory infections. It compared three groups: kids who took buckwheat honey, those who took honey-flavored dextromethorphan (DM), and those who received no treatment. Honey was much better than no treatment at lowering how often kids coughed, how bad the cough was, and how bothersome it felt.
You can take honey by the teaspoon a few times a day or mix it into warm water or tea for a soothing effect. Remember, never give honey to children under one year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another powerful remedy. It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. For centuries, Ayurvedic medicine has used turmeric to treat respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma.
To get the most benefit, mix one teaspoon of turmeric with an eighth of a teaspoon of black pepper. This helps your body absorb curcumin better. Add the mixture to a drink like orange juice or warm tea. Turmeric is available as a spice or in capsule form for easier use.
Peppermint
Peppermint can really help when you have a cough. It contains menthol, which numbs the throat and reduces the urge to cough. Plus, peppermint helps clear congestion and fights bacteria and viruses.
Drink peppermint tea, suck on peppermint lozenges, or use peppermint essential oil for aromatherapy. Adding peppermint tea to your nighttime routine might also help stop persistent coughing during the night.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is a common ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges. It soothes the throat and eases irritation from a dry cough.
A study tested marshmallow root extract for dry cough relief. Researchers surveyed 822 people who used either marshmallow root syrup or lozenges to treat their symptoms. They recorded their experiences over seven days, noting when relief started, how effective it was, and any side effects.
The results showed that marshmallow root extract provided fast relief for dry cough and throat irritation, with most users feeling better within 10 minutes. Both the syrup and lozenges were well-tolerated, with only three minor side effects reported for the syrup. Participants largely found the treatment effective, supporting its long-standing use in traditional medicine for cough relief.
Gargling with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is a simple way to reduce throat irritation and discomfort from a dry cough. It also helps kill bacteria in your mouth and throat. To make a saltwater gargle, dissolve one teaspoon of table salt in a large glass of warm water.
Gargle several times a day, especially after waking up with a sore throat from coughing at night. However, be careful with young children, as they might accidentally swallow the salt water.
When to Discontinue Lisinopril
Knowing when to stop is essential for your safety and health if you’re taking lisinopril. You should discontinue lisinopril if you experience specific negative reactions or complications. It is crucial to keep your medical provider informed of any adverse effects you are experiencing. Some of the severe potential reactions include:
Angioedema
One key reason to stop taking lisinopril is angioedema. This rare but serious condition causes swelling in the face, mouth, or airways, making it hard to breathe. According to a study, while the risk of angioedema from ACE inhibitors like lisinopril is relatively low—about 0.1% to 0.7% of users—the numbers still matter. Why? Because millions of people take these medications worldwide. Among ACE inhibitor-induced cases, lisinopril is responsible for a staggering 84.8%.
Angioedema occurs because ACE inhibitors raise bradykinin levels, which can subsequently trigger swelling. If you notice swelling or breathing problems, stop the medication immediately and get medical help. Some people face a higher risk for death.
Hyperkalemia
Another reason to stop taking lisinopril is hyperkalemia, which means high potassium levels in your blood. This condition can be risky, especially for people with kidney problems.
Research shows that mild hyperkalemia occurs in about 10% to 11% of outpatients who use ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. Those with conditions such as renal insufficiency or congestive heart failure face an even higher risk. It’s important to have your potassium level checked by your provider periodically to ensure it remains normal.
Kidney Problems
Kidney problems are a serious concern when taking lisinopril. A study found that a rise in serum creatinine of 20-29% increased health risks by 34%, while rises of 30% or more raised the risk by 44%. These jumps indicate worsening kidney health and potential cardiovascular complications.
If your tests show such increases, stopping lisinopril immediately is often necessary to avoid further harm.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another critical time to stop lisinopril. This medication, part of a class known as ACE inhibitors, has been shown to pose significant risks during the second and third trimesters. According to studies, its use after the first trimester can result in low amniotic fluid levels, leading to severe complications such as:
- Poor lung development
- Kidney issues
- Skull bone defects
- Fetal death in extreme cases
These outcomes are alarming, considering that 3% of babies are born with birth defects annually for various reasons, and the risks from lisinopril add to this baseline. If you discover you’re pregnant while on lisinopril, it’s crucial to stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is another side effect that might require stopping lisinopril. This risk increases if you’re dehydrated or have elevated renin levels.
Studies show that 7% to 11% of patients on ACE inhibitors experience hypotension, particularly those with higher renin concentrations or volume depletion. Your doctor will carefully determine the dose to reduce this risk and may recommend fluid replenishment or adjustment of other medications before starting treatment.
The mechanism of ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril, involves blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a molecule that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By preventing this conversion, ACE inhibitors promote vessel relaxation, but this can lead to significant drops in blood pressure in some individuals.
Patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, who already have reduced renal function, are particularly vulnerable and may require close monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function.
Switching from ACE Inhibitors to Alternative Medications
Because some people who take ACEIs end up with a cough, doctors often recommend other blood pressure medicines like ARBs and CCBs. A 2023 study found that ACEIs make you 2.24 times more likely to cough than a placebo. Compared to ARBs, the risk is 3.2 times higher, and 6.5 times higher than with CCBs.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Why choose ARBs? They are a top alternative to ACEIs. ARBs work just as well to control blood pressure and heart issues but without causing a cough. ACEIs have 3.2 times the risk of causing a cough compared to ARBs. This makes ARBs a better option for patients who develop coughs from ACEIs.
The study suggests switching to ARBs if symptoms like cough become too bothersome. They recommend this after ensuring the cough isn’t caused by something else. ARBs not only cause fewer coughs but also protect the heart just as well as ACEIs.
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
CCBs are another excellent option for those who can’t take ACEIs. The same study found that ACEIs are 6.5 times more likely to cause a cough than CCBs. This means CCBs have a much lower chance of making you cough. They effectively lower blood pressure and help with chest pain and certain heart rhythm problems. This makes CCBs a strong alternative for managing high blood pressure.
Adding CCBs to ACEIs can reduce the cough. This happens because CCBs lower the sensitivity that causes coughing by stopping certain chemicals in the body that lead to coughs.
| 🤔 Did You Know? According to a study, for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), ARBs are the preferred choice because they help improve kidney outcomes. In Black patients with diabetes but without CKD, thiazide diuretics or CCBs are recommended over ACE inhibitors or ARBs, following specific guidelines for these groups. |
Wrap Up
Lisinopril is a helpful medicine for high blood pressure, but it can cause a dry cough for some people. Regular cough medicines usually don’t work for this. However, treatments like cromolyn, baclofen, or sulindac might help reduce your symptoms.
Home remedies such as honey, turmeric, peppermint, and marshmallow root can also provide relief. If the cough becomes too much to handle, switching to ARBs or CCBs is a good alternative because they don’t cause coughing. Serious side effects, like swelling or high potassium levels, mean you should stop lisinopril and see your doctor right away.
Managing a dry cough while staying on track with your treatment is possible with the right options. Talk to your doctor to find what works best.
FAQs About Dry Cough from Lisinopril
How common is a lisinopril cough?
About 2.5% of people report a cough, but studies show up to 35% may experience it, especially in women and older adults.
Are all ACE inhibitors likely to cause coughing?
Yes, all ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril, have a similar risk of causing a cough.
How long does the cough last after stopping lisinopril?
A study says cessation typically resolves within 1–4 weeks but cough may still linger up to three months in some cases.
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