Does Lisinopril Cause a Dry Cough? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Quick Answer

Many people taking lisinopril may develop a dry cough. The cough is usually persistent, does not produce mucus, and may feel like a constant throat tickle or irritation. This side effect happens because ACE inhibitors ^[1] can affect the airways and lungs in some people.

What Is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors). It is commonly prescribed for:

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Kidney protection in people with diabetes
• Recovery after heart attack

Lisinopril works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps blood flow more easily throughout the body.^[2]

Does Lisinopril Cause a Dry Cough?

Yes. A dry cough is one of the more common side effects of lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors.

The cough is often:

• Dry and persistent
• Without mucus
• More noticeable at night for some people
• Described as a throat tickle or irritation

Studies suggest this type of cough may affect around 5% to 20% of people taking ACE inhibitors.

Why Does It Happen?

Lisinopril lowers blood pressure by blocking an enzyme called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). While this helps relax blood vessels, it can also increase certain substances in the lungs and airways, including bradykinin.

In some people, this may irritate the airways and lead to a persistent dry cough.

How Long After Starting Lisinopril Does the Cough Begin?

The cough can start at different times for different people. It may begin:

• Within a few days
• After several weeks
• Even months after starting treatment

Because the cough can develop weeks or even months later, some people may not immediately realize lisinopril is the cause.

What Does a Lisinopril Cough Feel Like?

People often describe a lisinopril cough as:

• A constant tickle in the throat
• A dry hacking cough
• Coughing that becomes worse when lying down
• Frequent coughing without typical cold symptoms

Unlike a cold or respiratory infection, a lisinopril cough usually does not cause fever or thick mucus

Who Is More Likely to Develop a Lisinopril Cough?

Some people may be more likely to develop a cough while taking lisinopril, including:

• Women
• Older adults
• Non-smokers
• People with sensitive airways or respiratory conditions

However, anyone taking lisinopril can develop this cough.

Does the Cough Go Away?

In many cases, the cough improves after lisinopril is stopped under medical supervision. For some people, the cough may improve within a few days, while for others it can take several weeks to fully go away.

Symptoms may improve within:

• A few days
• Several weeks

Do not stop taking lisinopril without speaking with your healthcare provider first.

Alternatives to Lisinopril

If the cough becomes difficult to manage or starts affecting daily life, your doctor may switch you to another type of blood pressure medication called an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker).^[3]

Common examples include:

• Losartan
• Candesartan
• Telmisartan

These medications work in a similar way to lisinopril but are less likely to cause a dry cough.

When to Contact a Doctor

Speak with your doctor if you experience:

• A cough that does not go away
• Trouble sleeping because of coughing
• Shortness of breath or breathing problems
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat

Swelling may be a sign of angioedema^[4], a rare but serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lisinopril cough dangerous?

The cough itself is usually not dangerous, but it can become frustrating and may affect sleep or daily activities. In rare cases, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat may be a sign of angioedema, which requires immediate medical attention.

Can lisinopril cause coughing at night?

Yes. Lisinopril can cause a persistent dry cough that may become worse at night or when lying down. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and may affect around 5% to 20% of people taking these medications.

Will cough medicine help lisinopril cough?

Standard over-the-counter cough medicines and syrups usually do not help much with a lisinopril cough. Unlike a cough caused by a cold or infection, this type of cough happens because ACE inhibitors can increase certain chemicals, such as bradykinin, which may irritate the airways.

Can lisinopril cough start months later?

Yes. A lisinopril cough often starts within the first few weeks of treatment, but in some people it may develop months or even years later. Because the cough can appear long after starting the medication, it may not immediately be linked to lisinopril.