Persistent Dry Cough After Taking Ramipril. Alternative Medication Without Side Effects?

Posted on Sun, 16 Oct 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 Answered on

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. My wife, at the direction of her cardiologist was prescribed 10mg Ramipril daily. Since commencing this drug 5 months ago she has suffered from a persistent dry cough. Is there an alternative to ramipril which may alleviate this problem.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (28 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

Your wife is taking ramipril which has a common side effect of dry cough. Although this cough is self limiting but if the cough has not been relieved in last 5 months then we must consider changing the drug.
The other effective option is Angiotensin II receptor antagonists like losartan, telmisartan, etc. These are equally efficacious with lower incidence of side effects.
You can discuss this option with your cardiologist and get these prescribed from him.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T