Frequency of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor [ACEI] induced cough

ABSTRACT

The objective was to assess the frequency of ACE inhibitor induced cough in our patients. The study was prospective open labeled one centre, in and out patients of cardiology department Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore 2011. 200 patients using six different types of ACEI were used. Preference was given to patients to whom ACEI were prescribed for the first time. Patients with chronic respiratory diseases were excluded. Patients were follwed up on fortnightly basis for three months. On each visit besides recording their blood pressure, they were not specifically inquired about occurrence of any cough. Patients themselves came with the complaint of cough. The dry cough frequency with different ACEI was 17%, ranging from almost 20% with Enalopril, 16.6% with Captopril, 10% with Lissinopril and Ramipril, 15% with Qurinapril and Perindopril. The dry cough was moderate in the majority of our patients and they were not willing to continue their ACEI, although their blood pressure was well controlled with it. They were switched over to other group of anti hypertensive drugs. Incidence was almost same in males and females. ACEI have a relatively high frequency of dry cough and our patients don't want to take it if cough occurs