I started lisinopril about a month ago for high blood pressure, and have developed a dry cough I can hardly sleep at night and I'm driving my co-workers crazy coughing all day its usually worse in the morning. I take the medication at night.
How can I get rid of cough caused by lisinopril for high BP?
Question posted by 82801dc on 28 May 2013
Last updated on 25 April 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
30 Answers Page 2
Constance Pfeifer
13 May 2016
I don't have an answer. I'm asking the question and want an answer. Thanks
kat59
13 May 2016
This drug is evil, no one would listen to me i have done permanent damage 2 bags of cough drops a day and no relief. 2 years later they figured it out or i did. Also caused weakness weight gain. It is made from snake venom from a cobra from Spain. Google it! Dr's need to listen to patients more and quit believing the drug makers so much, When i was taken off i was put on another ace inhibitor big help Not! I quit it all now its not worth the agony i went through
xizziz
30 Oct 2016
seriously -- snake venom? LOL
ms c
15 Feb 2017
It's true, this medication was derived from snake venom.
telemando99
3 March 2017
Hi Constance. If it's not too late, I suggest you try an iron supplement to see if it suppresses the cough due to Lisinopril. There is a research paper which backs this up, and it works for me - one week of supplement keeps me cough free for a couple of months. Don't take the supplement at the same time as the Lisinopril.
jnrohne
28 April 2016
Cough drops help but certainly do not cure it.
ctortquist
3 May 2016
I was only taking 5 mg of Lisinopril each day starting end of last summer. Weeks after I developed a cough and thought I had a cold as there were other systems with the cough such as a continuous sore throat. Over the last 5 months I probably used over 300 cough drops.
My doctor tried everything available and nothing helped. The cough drops soothed my continuously sore throat but did not cure my problem.
I am disappointed in my dr to as not being able to detect my problem.
10 days ago I started eating healthier and getting more exercise. I quit taking the Lisinopril and am monitering my blood pressure at home. My blood pressure is at a safe level of 120 with those changes
After 5 months of Lisinopril I am feeling better and hope that my cough goes away completely.
Steffyweffy
16 May 2016
I started lisnopril last week had no cough at all. Blood pressure was high so np started me on a new pill. Took half of pill next morning it was prescribed and the other half the next day and didn't take any more. Continued my old water pill I've been taking for years and I haven't stopped coughing yet. Wth is going on. I'm African American how can one pill cause this much trouble? Coughing, tickle comes in back of my throat at night and during day. This pill should be out my system why am I still coughing. ? Any doctors, pharmacists out there that can answer?
Rchelle
24 March 2016
I experience a cough too. I'm only on 10mg of Lisinopril, and my cough is not so bad. It's not a hard cough, but it can be annoying at times. I usually drink a lot of water with the Lisinopril, and I also take a water pill as well. Some days I go all day w/o a coughing spell until the evening. Some days I cough noticably throughout the day I take my med's early in the am, most days.
My concern is, this medicine has truly helped my hbp, even with the coughing and I am apprehensive about searching for another one. That's because prior to the Lisinopryl I was given a med that scared me because it increased my bp instead of lowering it. My heart was racing.
I'm not a medicine person... I prefer natural medicine, so I am a bit anxious about trying other meds.
bob811
24 April 2016
Been on Lisinopril (40mg) for several years. Recently changed pharmacies and was dispensed same strength pill from a different manufacturer (size, shape, color, markings). Formerly I could always deal with the minor 'cough' that I could deal with (throat clearing-type), but with this new pill I have developed a much deeper wracking bronchial cough with phlegm being produced causing chest pains and severe headaches. Since no change was made in the dosage strength, could it be possible that the "fillers" used in manufacturing this new pill have some kind of added side effect ??? A few years back I know that this possibility was eventually realized with certain Welbutrin formulations.
xizziz
8 Sep 2016
I can understand where you are coming from I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage and got out of the hospital and developed a blood pressure probably had it before my surgery but now I'm really aware of it so was on and load of pain at first which didn't lower my blood pressure and it was actually pretty scary with chest pain and all kinds of bad stuff and made me feel terrible so I decided to switch to lisinopril because my brother has been taking it for years without any side effects I am not getting any side effects from taking it and it works really really good for giving me normal blood pressure
xizziz
30 Oct 2016
I totally agree with you. I am so happy I started Lisinopril to get actually normal blood pressure readings. The last one was Amlodipine which did nothing and made my heart pound and race and caused chest pain. I'd rather suffer with the minimal side effects of Lisinopril as it actually works very well and wouldn't switch for anything!
Topazlace
15 Jan 2017
I think HTN is a symptom & not a disease... so the elevated BP is caused by something else...
MD s don't really try to determine the cause just treat the symptoms by prescribing drugs, which all have side effects...
Lisinopril was developed from the poisonous venom of a snake.
Can cause flu like symptoms, chronic cough, decreased urination & libido.
telemando99
13 March 2016
Soon after I started Lisinopril about 6 years ago, I developed a dry cough. I discussed this with my doctor who thought the cough was caused by the medication.
I did some research and discovered that some people had found iron supplements useful. I started taking a liquid iron supplement, which I mixed with fruit juice. I took this for a few days and the cough subsided. Now I keep a bottle of liquid supplement handy, and whenever the cough starts, I take a regular dose of the liquid (mixed with fruit juice) for a few days until the cough subsides. Normally, I go 3-6 between coughing attacks, which means that I'm able to stay on Lisinopril, which works very well to control my blood pressure.
This is just an anecdote and there's no real evidence (apart from my doctor's opinion) that my coughs are caused by the medicine, but it might just help somebody. I'm aware that others have found aspirin useful for controlling the cough, but the same caveat must apply to that advice.
In the UK, the liquid supplements that worked for me are Floradix and Feroglobin. I also tried Spatone but that didn't seem to be as effective. No idea why.
Topazlace
11 March 2017
I took iron 325 mg tab & it did seem to prevent cough... so far
Manangq88
25 April 2023
What iron supplement did you take? I’m new to lisinopril three weeks ago, and I also experienced coughing. I complained to my Doctor and wants to bring back Losartan which made me dizzy and helpless. I said I don’t want to go back to Losartan. Her answer was, what do I prefer, dizziness or coughing? Both I don’t like. I ended up with the nurse gave me an appointment for another 2 weeks to see if lisinopril will lower my BP.
Snuggs08
5 Nov 2015
Hi, my dad used to cough alot on a bp med. I'd see if u can try something different. I take it and I have no coughing problem. I also take metropolol. Best Wishes :)
Dorene Couch
9 Sep 2015
Notify your physician about the cough. Be assertive.Tell your doctor you are going to stop taking lisinopril and ask him/her to prescribe another drug. The cough I developed was not only a nuisance, it progressed and ultimately lead me to a pulmonary specialist. I presented with what appeared to be a full blown bronchial asthmatic attack; cough, wheeze and severe bronchial spasm. My doctor was treating me with inhalers that provided only minimal relief. The specialist had me stop the lisinopril and prescribed Lozartan Potassium. He also prescribed a course of oral steroid medication to rid my lungs of the inflammation and congestion. It took nearly two months, but the cough is gone and my lungs have recovered. In researching Lisinopril, I became aware that it is classified as an Ace Inhibitor. As it is broken down in the body, small particals accumulate in the blood and during circulation become trapped in the lungs.
The cough is a result of the lungs attempting to rid these accumulated particles. Literature led me to believe the cough would resolve in a few days. I suppose it depends on how sick your lungs are at the time the drug is stopped. Good luck. Be well!
Dorene Couch
10 Sep 2015
This was posted on September 8, 2015.
bricil 68
19 March 2016
Hi Dorene My name is Heide and I just like to say that your info was very helpful. Listen in the cade of my 77 yesr old mother, she was fine until her heart doctor put her on this lisinopril. But my main concern is that in experiencing everything listed above and trying everything listed, she is still coughing. Yes, this concerns me a grest deal. Now my moms is fairly a healthy woman for her age and pretty strong, but this I don't know. Like I said we have tryed all of the above and probably more. Any more suggestion it would really help. Thanks, Heide, Lula's daughter.
bricil 68
19 March 2016
Sorry for the misspelled words.
Lcave
6 May 2016
I too have been on Lisinopril for a couple years and recently started a real bad dry cough and can hardly stand it at work and can't sleep. The Dr. Just changed me to Losartan also have only taken for 3 days now. My cough has been going on for a month. I hope this it what it is and stops soon I cant take much more!!
ck2001id10
26 Nov 2016
I to was on lisinopril so some time and had the dry cough and provider kept telling me it was allergies. So frustrating because stress incontinance was a major issue. After researching I told her I needed to change BP pills. I took Losartun potassium for about 4 months and then again developed the same issues. Again provider associates with allergies. I was taking 2 Claritin per day for about 2 weeks and no relief. I called and now I am on metoprolol. I have been on it for 1 week and nothing is improving. So sick of feeling this way and having to constantly wear a pad due to weak bladder. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
davhag49
4 Sep 2015
I started having a bad cough and breathing problems for years, but they got worse and nothing controlled it. I have cluster and migraines also, but then started having this weird headache along with ear pain. I had no infection, and my blood pressure was up and down with my moods, stress, etc. I have arthritis and muscle pains too from another disorder, but these also got worse since I started the Lisinopril. I know I am getting older, and was only taking 5mg a day. But after much research and trials for the ear, cough, headaches. I came across how dangerous Lisinopril can be. I contacted my doctor and asked if I can take half a pill and see how it goes or stop taking it. I took half a one this morning before he replied back. Going to try to go without it tomorrow. My cough was so bad in the mornings and night with a sore throat at times. Nothing and I mean nothing would work. I will see if it gets better along with the headaches, and if I can control my BP another way.
davhag49
10 Sep 2015
Okay I am now trying Norvasc. Let's see what happens now. I do not want other side effects, nor do I want to go back to lisinopril.
My opinion, this med should not be used unless it is explained and monitored closely, then not sure. But let's see what happens with the new BP meds. Thank God, someday soon, we will all be free from these poisons and illnesses.
bricil 68
19 March 2016
Hi my name is Heide and I was just concern. Just wanted to share that if this is a problem stop taking this med altogther. With your doctors knowledge of course. Next, seek out other opinions in the medical profession. You may just need a change of meds and time for the drug to fully leave your blood stream. Their are also things your doc can suggest to suppress the cough in the meantime until your lungs recover. God is able. Trust in Him. I am a believer. My dear mother is suffering from lisinopril as well. In fact I have just learn that there are tons of poor people around the world who are suffering from this same problem. It is incredible and yet sad. Anyway, you take care of yourself and I pray this was of some avail. And keep researching, Heide B. P.S. thank God for the internet.
bricil 68
19 March 2016
Hey davhag49 I realized that you had a change of meds. I hope those meds will help. You shouldn't have to go back on the lisinopril because there are plenty of different meds to try. Your physician has to use what is suitable for your condition. Best wishes still, Heide.
xizziz
8 Sep 2016
I would be very careful with those symptoms I had symptoms like that with the migraines and everything you're speaking about with blood pressure going up and down for a couple of months then one day standing in the shower I went unconscious was rushed to the hospital within two hours was undergoing brain surgery for a subarachnoid hemorrhage so whatever you do go to the doctor about the symptoms you have been experiencing and let them know
cattlecompany
14 July 2015
Same thing here. It is a side affect and I took myself off lisinopril. But before I realized it was a side effect, I experienced even more side effects., spotty numbness on the skin in various places. Glad I listened to my body.
netty1163
5 Feb 2016
I take care of my special needs sister. She started taking lisinopril a month ago. She started a cough she said was just a tickle in her throat on the left side, but after a few days, it got worse. Now she's vomiting most partial meals. She still says it's just the tickle that's causing it and still only on the left side.
I too use to take lisinopril and the same thing happened to me. I just got sicker and sicker. Throwing vomiting is not good for your esophagus. My sister's doctor lallilags alot and sometimes I have to get on her. Does anyone know of another med that treats high blood pressure without the nasty side affects?
netty1163
5 Feb 2016
She has an appointment on 2/9, but I don't want to make her wait that long. I won't give her it to her for a few days to rule out. Thanks for any input. Most appreciated.
jimfriedrice
29 April 2016
Netty, I know you're a couple of months down the road so I hope all is well. I was on Lisinopril for a month, then went to the nurse for a BP check. The BP was down but she asked if I had developed a cough. I had, but didn't even consider it, just figured I was coming down with something that never rose above the level of "irritating". She told me to stop taking it immediately until the Dr. could proscribe something else.
Reading the replies here, it seems that the side effects can get worse over time so that seems like prudent advice, so I thought I'd share.
kat59
29 April 2016
I got put on this medication took it over a year coughed constantly. Told my doctor said i need to quit smoking and i understand that but,,, a girl at work said that it made her cough told dr again said no it only causes a slight dry cough. I thought i was dying so weak I couldn't lift anything got on a ladder to do some work thought i was going to pass out sweating shaky also i ended up in ER with leg pain it hurt so bad they said it was muscle spasm nothing i did would stop this intense pain. This drug is made from snake venom a cobra from Spain wonder why it has such horrible side effects. Finally the dr said oh we had a girl in office this happened to now after almost 2 years i was switched, finally he listened to me. Cough is better but i now have copd i was wheezing while i was on it plus bronchitis my lungs are in terrible shape. I don't think i will ever get over what this drug has done to me. No wonder the drug co's are being sued and the dr's need to pay close attention to what they are doing to people.
ArleneFKT
12 July 2015
Definitely call your doctor and tell him about this. I had to be taken off of lisinopril for the same reason... it didn't go away and nothing I tried helped. If it's making you miserable it's definitely worth speaking to your doctor about changing medications.
Good luck to you!
justme1949
19 Jan 2016
I also am suffering from this dry cough from Lisinopril... how long does it take before it stops. My ribs actually hurt from coughing so much. I am off it now for 2 weeks and still no relief.
4kathleen
10 March 2016
@justme1949, did your cough go away yet? I have been off it for three days and I still cant stop coughing. I cant live like this, I cough so hard I get sick, I have to leave meetings, I can't sleep. What can I do?
Mitzi5505
1 July 2016
I am off the drug less than 24 hours and I have stopped coughing, but I was only on it 48 hours when the hacking started and Physician took me off it immediately..sorry you two are still suffering... that cough made my head feel like it was going to explode!
Deweygraham
29 Jan 2017
I'm stopping now hope it doesn't take to long to subside I have all symptoms plus eyes watering thanks for the Intel
tobedunn
9 June 2018
I was off of lisinopril for about 25 days before my cough went away. The doctor told me it may take that long to get it out of my system.
abuhab58
21 June 2015
Change to another medicine Diovane 80 is good
gram85
7 Jan 2016
Diovan is terribly expensive and I thought I had drug insurance coverage, but was mistaken. i don't know what's going to happen with my medication now. 3 month supply $744 and some change.
4mhaines
6 Feb 2016
I have been taking Diovan for over 8 years and for the past 3 years developed the persistent cough. My doctor took me off of this and put me on another blood pressure medication (can't remember the name) and it made my feet swell beyond recognition (even with water pills). I have been off of any blood pressure meds (my doctor does not know) and my cough has subsided.
alonso01
11 Feb 2016
Hi I have been experiencing a severe hacking cough was told its lisinipril side effects,horrific its kept me up at nite and during the day coughing uncontrollable. My advice get off of it try valsartan. I switched, still coughing from lisinipril and taking cough medicine from doctor. might take some time to get better.If it doesnt get better seeing an ear eye throat specialist. Good luck!!
primsue
8 Oct 2016
Be careful, if you have high blood pressure you should take something. Diovan never makes me cough but Lisinopril does. My sister had a stroke and later died of a heart attack due to not taking medication.
Chicken dinner
27 Feb 2017
They changed mine to losartain 100
6.00 for 30
No cough now
Chicken dinner
27 Feb 2017
They changed mine to losartain 100
6.00 for 30
No cough now
Linehaul56
21 June 2015
I went thru the same thing. It's a allergic reaction. Was on lisinopril for a few years and all of a sudden I started this horrible coughing. The P.A. (Not the Dr. that put me on it) but his PA, Took me off the lisinopril and put me on nifedipine.
It stopped in 1 day for me.
kaismama
21 June 2015
Its not an allergic reaction its a side effect. There is a big difference. All of this class can do it.
davhag49
4 Sep 2015
I am sure you meant side effect. Thank goodness we have a 67 yr old nurse who wants to try to correct us every time one word does not line up correctly to her smarts, when most people know what you mean. Maybe she should go back to work.
dpippi
14 Nov 2015
what's wrong with being 67? and there IS a big difference between an allergy and a side effect!
Anyway, I am 67 and on Lisinopril for a month, and I also started coughing. I am trying to figure out if it is from the drug or allergy or virus
KarrieS
27 Feb 2016
I believe this is a side effect CAUSED by an allergy. I called my doctor to complain about the coughing. When the cardiac nurse returned my call, she put me on a new medicine and told me in the future I need to add lisinipril to my allergy list -- she said this is important because if I were to go on it again the reaction may be more severe. So let this be a warning to all my fellow coughers! Wishing you all well. Call your drs about the tickle! Ps I'm 3 days off and still coughing... Haven't started the new one yet.
stacyh07
30 March 2016
Oh brother that someone would be rude about someone's age and comment on their profession. Must be jealous! At least the person speaking is a medical professional, so I'm sure they know more than you, you rude A$$!
Thank you to the ones who gave positive comments!! I also have asthma, and I've been coughing since January. I changed to a new Dr. and he suggested I get off Atenolol. He said the cough will gradually go away, so we'll see how it goes. I'm happy he suggested this as it makes sense. I do seem to cough after I've taken my bp med.
yvonnej2
29 May 2016
I am also a 67 year old nurse who has worked as a Geriatric Nurse for many years. And only a nurse knows the importance of giving the correct information and correct spelling of a medication. We know how important the spelling of words can be where drugs are concerned. You just showed your ignorance by the words you used. Shame on you for your rudeness.
Frogsong
3 July 2016
It's not an allergic reaction per se, but it is genetic, actually. If you get a cough from the ACE inhibitors it's because you carry at least one T allele on a certain gene. (bradykinin B2 receptor promoter) I did the 23 and Me DNA analysis and if it hadn't been for that, I would have never put together that the cough was from the Lisinopril. I have the T allele. I read about it there and then looked up the side effects of Lisinopril and sure enough. I've been off it for 4 days now and I am still coughing but it has eased up some. Hopefully, it'll be gone soon.
xizziz
30 Oct 2016
Wow, let her add her comment without insulting her. I agree with her, and maybe the people with the cough are smokers and will blame anything on their cough besides for smoking
cottonjenny
18 Dec 2016
Everyone has a different opinion but if you read about it, it is a side effect. I was on this and my sister is the one that alerted me about my coughing. I quite smoking 3years ago, so that wasn't it. My doctor changed my medication and the cough went away. Get your doctor to change it, or get a new doctor.
Topazlace
3 March 2017
It is Not an allergic reaction... It is a common side effect of Lisinopril, which is actually made from the vemon of a poisonous snake...
jcolson
19 June 2015
There is a lozenge that is for dry mouth and I have had limited success using them but other than that the only thing you can do is to have your doctor prescrib a different medication. Small consolation the cough will lessen over time. Wish I could be more help
tinyceleste
30 July 2015
Are you speaking of the lozenge made by Biotene? I'm convinced that I have the driest mouth in the world (slight exaggeration) and wonder if you found a better one. Thanks.
Benbobtomdot
28 Sep 2016
My cough has gotten so bad it drives me and everyone around me crazy. Also have runny nose all the time. Very embarrassing. I am on 10 prescription meds. For blood pressure. Lisinopril. Caevedilol. spironolactone. Hard to say what is responsible. Any advice?
primsue
8 Oct 2016
It is the Lisinopril causing the cough. The pharmacist told me when I asked him about getting this awful cough. I am incontinent so you can imagine. Next doc visit she will have to find something else. I was on Diovan HCT for many years but it stopped working.
MarJM
7 Jan 2018
I was happy to see your comment that the cough lessens over time. This is the 3rd BP med I have tried and have had little or no other side effects. It dropped my bp right away and I even started cutting a 10mg in 1/2 (with Drs permission) and it still works. The only thing is the cough and occasional hi heart rate when tired but I am at least able to exercise and do Yoga again which I haven't been able to do on Beta Blockers. How much time is, over time?
Delila
29 May 2013
Hi, a 'common' side effect of taking Lisinopril is developing a cough unfortunately. I have recently started taking a medication that gives me dry mouth, and this sometimes leads to a dry coughing. I suck Strepsil capsules, you can buy them specifically for coughs. & you can use dry cough medicines at night, but if this continues long term, don't continue using OTC medications longterm, ask you doctor if there is an alternative. Also, mention this at your next doctor's appointment, as it could be a sign of something going on with you heart. I'm only mentioning this as an after thought, but i think it is important that it is discussed.
Abigayle
29 May 2013
Not sure about the ace inhibitors, but I do know that beta-blockers are bad for this, especially for someone who has asthma such as myself. Definitely call your doctor's office and stress how much this is effecting you. I'm sure if he knows how bad this is... he will make an adjustment to your med. or change it to a different type. Don't suffer like I did for so long. I know how miserable this can be. Hope you get this worked out soon! Take Care!
kaismama
28 May 2013
Tell your dr. If its that annoying he may change to another med.
Related topics
high blood pressure, cough, lisinopril, sleep, blood pressure
Further information
- Lisinopril uses and safety info
- Lisinopril prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lisinopril (detailed)
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