{"id":635199,"date":"2026-02-09T09:30:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T14:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=635199"},"modified":"2026-02-16T11:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:13:19","slug":"lisinopril-cough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lisinopril-cough\/","title":{"rendered":"Does lisinopril cause a cough?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lisinopril<\/span><\/a> is a prescription medication that is FDA approved to treat high blood pressure and certain other cardiovascular conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and is sold under various brand names, including Zestril (tablets) and Qbrelis (liquid).<\/span>
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ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/a> block the conversion of the peptide hormone angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful chemical that narrows and tightens blood vessels, a process called vasoconstriction. A reduction in angiotensin II levels relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces strain on the heart. These effects are helpful for managing heart conditions such as heart failure; however, some people may experience side effects such as a cough when taking blood pressure medications like lisinopril. Find out when that tickle in your throat might not be from the common cold.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Can lisinopril cause a cough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A persistent dry cough is a common <\/span>side effect of lisinopril<\/span><\/a>. This side effect can affect 5% to 20% of people taking the medication, says <\/span>Samuel Robinson<\/span><\/a>, DO, a board-certified family medicine provider with Sutter Medical Group in Folsom, California.<\/span>
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Dr. Robinson explains that the cough can start from a few days to months after starting lisinopril, and the cough is usually mild to moderate for most people. Also, the cough typically lasts for as long as you are taking the medication and often does not resolve unless you stop taking the drug.<\/span>
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While ACE inhibitors like lisinopril have side effects like cough, it is worth noting that they are <\/span>generally well-tolerated<\/span><\/a> and are a common treatment option for cardiovascular conditions. Also, not everyone will experience lisinopril-induced cough. Some people are at higher risk than others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does lisinopril make you cough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors is to block the enzyme ACE, which converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II. The ACE enzyme also breaks down certain active peptides, such as bradykinin. When its action is blocked, it produces a therapeutic effect but also increases bradykinin levels, which can contribute to the <\/span>cough side effect<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe proposed mechanism by which these drugs cause cough is an increase in bradykinin and substance P,\u201d says <\/span>Taylor Clark<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Binghamton University, State University of New York. Bradykinin is <\/span>associated with inflammation<\/span><\/a>, promotion of vasodilation to promote blood flow, and sensitization of nerve endings to increase pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Clark explains that when an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril is administered, it inhibits the ACE enzyme from breaking down molecules such as bradykinin, leading to an increase in bradykinin concentration in the blood. \u201cThe increased bradykinin is believed to increase sensitivity of nerves in the airway, resulting in bronchoconstriction and cough,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Notably, the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors differs slightly from that of <\/span>angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)<\/span><\/a>. ARBs work on the same system in the body as ACE inhibitors, but work at a later stage in the process. They directly inhibit the angiotensin-II receptors type-1 and are often prescribed as an alternative treatment for people with low tolerance to ACE inhibitors, as they are much less likely to be associated with coughs as a side effect.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is at risk for a lisinopril cough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to Dr. Robinson, women and older adults are at the most significant risk of developing a cough. People with certain medical conditions, such as respiratory illnesses or a genetic disposition to this adverse effect, may also be at <\/span>higher risk<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n