1. Community
  2. Heart Health
  3. Ramipril

Has anyone had a cough with Losartan as well as Ramipril?

Posted , 6 users are following.

crypticcurls
crypticcurls

Having been on ramipril for a year, I developed a dreadful cough - so bad it felt as though my throat was swelling up and choking me so I was 'gulping' for breath and somtimes retching. After a few weeks I went to my GP who said it was a post viral sensitivity cough (I had just had a viral upper respiratory tract infection, which I suspect triggered it). Two months later it was still there so another GP suggested silent reflux or asthma and put me on antacids which didn't help. It then got to the stage that the minute I started to cough I would vomit, so back to the GP for an inhaler for asthma which didn't help.

I then read about whooping couch - paroxysmal coughing, occasional whooping, vomiting - so back I went asking for a test, which came back negative. I was then referred to an ENT consultant to have a nasopharyngeal camera investigation.

Luckily before I had this I stumbled across something on the internet which said ACE inhibitors could cause a cough so severe it induces vomiting. I stopped taking the ramipril and my cough - which by this time had lasted for six months - went completely within three days. My GP said 'oh yes, it can cause a bad cough'! So why in heaven's name had not one of the five GPs I saw suggested this!

I was drug free (and cough free) for three weeks then started on Losartan, an ARB which has a much lower incidence of the cough. However, within a day or two the cough had started again although nowhere near as bad as before, so I could probably tolerate it if necessary. It's definitely the same type of cough - it feels like a dry patch in the back of my throat which gets bigger and bigger until I have a coughing attacck.

I'm not sure whether to put up with it or go back to my GP, who will probably just say it's psychological. Has anyone else had a coughing problem with losartan?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • steve78741
    steve78741 crypticcurls

    Posted

    Hi, I certainly had a cough for 9 months with Ramipril. It was particulary bad in the morning with mucas stuck in the back of my throat. The cough stopped within 2 days of coming off of Ramipril and has not returned. I have not had Iosartan. Kind regards. Steve.
  • Chuckj
    Chuckj crypticcurls

    Posted

    I experienced similar side effects when I was first prescribed hypertension meds.

    Ramipril was excellent in bringing down bp, but the dry cough was unbearable and

    made me wretch often and felt as if I vomit my insides. I consulted GP who prescribed Losartan. But the cough did not disappear, although it was less often and irritating but not as bad as with Ramipril. Nevertheless I wad still having difficulty sleeping and it was annoying at work, so went back to GP today, who had prescribed Candesartan 8mg. Let's

    see, I am hoping this will be ok with no nasty side effects. Has anyone had Candesartan?

    • Crozziefan
      Crozziefan Chuckj

      Posted

      I went to my doctor two days ago to tell her that I was experiencing a really bad dry cough which starts at very random times in the day with no warning. It is a real retching cough and lasted a while. I was put on Ramipril after a heart attack just after Christmas. I had a stent put in and felt fine until a fortnight into my tablets and the cough started. The doctor has put me on Candesartan 8 mg and I have taken 3 so far. She said it would take 2 weeks to get the Ramipril out of my system. I will keep you posted and hope you will do the same.
    • Chuckj
      Chuckj Crozziefan

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your reply, and it is so reassuring to hear other people's experiences.

      I have been on Candesartan 8mg for about 2 wks now. The coughing has definitely improved, but has not completely disappeared. The coughing happens very randomly, it starts as a tickle in the throat and resulting in a dry cough. However, it doesn't last long, and can be helped by drinking a warm drink or chewing gum of all things. I am really hoping the cough will subside as I feel so much better otherwise taking Candesartan.I am wondering if I am suffering from a bit of anxiety about the cough, as the cough mostly happens at work when I am in a meeting or dealing with a difficult situation.

      I have got another appt with my GP in 2 wks, so will see what he says. But I definitely want to persevere with Candesartan as it has helped the BP, has no other side effects and I have more energy. Wishing you all the best. Please do keep me posted.

  • Leighites
    Leighites crypticcurls

    Posted

    I too was on Ramipril for about 8 years until I could bear the increasing coughing especially in the morning. So changed to Losartan about 6 months ago and all seemed well. However have had a viral thing with dreadful cough which is taking weeks to go. So after reading all the comments here,  I will monitor carefully as I didn't realise that Losartan was also linked to a cough. Fingers crossed for you crypticcurls
    • Chuckj
      Chuckj Leighites

      Posted

      I hope all in this thread if comments are finding the right meds for their BP. Some good news for me, as after Ramipril, Losartan, I have settled down with Candesartan. However, discovered the contiinuing night time cough was due to a post viral (sinus) nasal drip. GP prescribed Beconase aqueou nasal spray, which I squirt in my nostrils twice a day. It stopped the coughing almost immediately. I sleep well now and the Candesartan is working on my BP. Can hardly believe it!
  • Leighites
    Leighites crypticcurls

    Posted

    Viral thing long gone and my BP as good as it's ever been in many years. So for time being, Losartan working well. Glad to hear that you too are recovered and BP stable. Hurrah!
  • edna54093
    edna54093 crypticcurls

    Posted

    I had a dreadful cough with Ramapril and my doctor took me off it ,it still lasted for several weeks while I was on Losartan ,but it started to calm down ,in the meantime I'd had xrays ENT specialist all sorts of tests,but I ran out of Losartan and had 2 ramapril and the cough came back ,so now I am sure it was the ramapril as I've been on Losartan for 3 weeks and just yesterday and today I have been completely cough free.Thank goodness

     

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.