Expert guidance on how do I get rid of a cough caused by high blood pressure medicine?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

It is estimated that up to 35% of people taking a certain type of high blood pressure medication experience a persistent, dry cough. Understanding this side effect is the first step in knowing how do I get rid of a cough caused by high blood pressure medicine? and exploring your options with a healthcare provider.

Quick Summary

A persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, a type of blood pressure medication. The most effective solution involves a doctor switching the prescription to an alternative, such as an ARB. Home remedies can offer temporary symptom relief, but do not address the underlying cause.

Key Points

Consult Your Doctor: Never stop taking your high blood pressure medication on your own; always speak with your healthcare provider first.
Switching to an ARB: The most common and effective solution is for a doctor to switch you from an ACE inhibitor to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), which rarely causes a cough.
Consider Other Medications: Other drug classes like calcium channel blockers or diuretics are also viable alternatives that don't typically cause a cough.
Use Home Remedies for Symptom Relief: For temporary comfort, try sipping warm liquids with honey, using a humidifier, or gargling with salt water.
Avoid Specific OTC Meds: If you have high blood pressure, be careful with over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, as many contain decongestants that can increase blood pressure.
Allow Time for Resolution: Once the offending medication is stopped, the cough typically subsides within 1 to 4 weeks, but it can sometimes take up to 3 months to fully resolve.

Understanding the Link Between Medication and Cough

First, it's important to identify the cause of the cough. The specific class of medication most notorious for causing a persistent dry cough is the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Common ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril, and they are typically identified by the '-pril' ending in their generic name. This dry, tickly cough can start at any time—from hours to months after beginning the medication—and is often the most reported side effect leading to discontinuation.

The accepted theory behind this side effect involves the buildup of bradykinin and substance P, inflammatory substances that the ACE enzyme normally breaks down. When ACE is inhibited, these substances accumulate in the respiratory tract, causing irritation and the need to cough. The cough is typically non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up phlegm.

The Importance of Medical Supervision

If you suspect your medication is causing your cough, the most crucial step is to consult your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly. Abruptly discontinuing high blood pressure medicine can be dangerous and worsen underlying cardiovascular conditions. Your doctor can confirm if the ACE inhibitor is the cause and, if so, discuss safer alternatives. The diagnosis is often confirmed by observing if the cough resolves after discontinuing the drug for a few weeks under medical guidance.

Medical Alternatives to ACE Inhibitors

Your doctor will likely recommend switching to a different class of blood pressure medication. The most common and effective alternative is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB), which works differently in the body and is far less likely to cause a cough. Other options are also available.

Here is a comparison of common ACE inhibitors and their alternatives:


Medication Class	Mechanism of Action	Common Side Effects	Incidence of Cough	Examples
ACE Inhibitors	Blocks the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II, preventing vasoconstriction and lowering blood pressure.	Dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, high potassium.	5% to 35%, most frequent in women and those of Asian descent.	Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril.
ARBs	Blocks Angiotensin II from binding to receptors, preventing its blood-pressure-raising effects without affecting bradykinin levels.	Dizziness, headache, fatigue, mild cough (rare).	Very low, around 3%.	Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan.
Calcium Channel Blockers	Blocks calcium from entering heart muscle and blood vessel cells, relaxing vessels and lowering pressure.	Dizziness, headache, swelling of ankles, can cause acid reflux leading to cough.	Rare, unless it induces acid reflux.	Amlodipine, Nifedipine.
Diuretics	'Water pills' that help the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.	Dehydration, dizziness, frequent urination.	Low incidence of cough.	Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone.

Temporary Relief and Home Remedies

While changing medication is the long-term solution, some measures can help manage the symptoms in the short term. Remember, these will not cure the underlying problem, but can provide some comfort.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm ones like tea with honey, can help soothe the throat and provide lubrication.
Honey: A teaspoon of honey has been shown to be effective at relieving coughs in adults. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Humidify the Air: Using a cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe irritated nasal and bronchial passages.
Steam Inhalation: A steamy shower or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and calm the airways.
Gargle with Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water can help ease throat irritation.
Cough Drops or Lozenges: Sucking on these increases saliva production, soothing a dry, scratchy throat.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from tobacco smoke, dust, and other strong odors that can exacerbate the cough.

Safely Choosing Over-the-Counter Products

If you have high blood pressure and need an over-the-counter (OTC) cold or cough product, be very cautious. Many standard formulations contain decongestants (like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine), which can raise blood pressure. Look for products specifically labeled for individuals with high blood pressure, such as certain Coricidin HBP or Vicks DayQuil HBP products. A safe cough suppressant option is dextromethorphan, while guaifenesin can be used as an expectorant, but always check labels and consult a pharmacist.

Conclusion

Experiencing a persistent cough from high blood pressure medication, particularly an ACE inhibitor, is a frustrating but manageable side effect. The most definitive resolution involves a conversation with your healthcare provider to explore alternative medications like ARBs, which provide similar benefits with a much lower risk of cough. While temporary home remedies can offer some comfort, they do not address the root cause. A collaborative approach with your doctor ensures your blood pressure remains controlled while finding a treatment regimen you can tolerate comfortably. For more information on cardiovascular health, you can visit the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the most common class of blood pressure medications to cause a cough. Their generic names typically end in '-pril,' such as lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril.

ACE inhibitors cause a dry cough by allowing inflammatory substances, particularly bradykinin, to build up in the airways. The body's natural processes would normally break these substances down.

No, you should never stop or change your medication without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping your blood pressure medicine can be dangerous and worsen your underlying health condition.

The primary medical solution is for your doctor to switch you to an alternative medication. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs), such as losartan or valsartan, are the most common and effective alternative.

Once the ACE inhibitor is discontinued, the cough usually goes away within 1 to 4 weeks. In some cases, it can take up to 3 months to resolve completely.

You must be careful with OTC medications. Many standard cold and cough products contain decongestants that can raise blood pressure. Look for products specifically formulated for people with high blood pressure (HBP) or ask a pharmacist for a safe option like dextromethorphan.

For temporary relief, try sipping warm liquids with honey, using a humidifier to moisten the air, gargling with salt water, or sucking on throat lozenges. These can soothe the throat but do not fix the underlying cause.