Accupril Cough

Among Accupril's common side effects is a chronic dry cough. The same enzyme-blocking effect that allows Accupril to lower blood pressure can also cause a buildup of other substances in the lungs, leading to a dry cough that will not go away. If you experience an Accupril cough, let your healthcare provider know. He or she may recommend that you switch to a different ACE inhibitor or another heart failure or blood pressure medicine altogether.

 

What Is an Accupril Cough?

There are a number of possible side effects that can occur with Accupril® (quinapril hydrochloride). One side effect that is common in Accupril, as well as all other ACE inhibitors, is a dry cough that will not go away.
 

Understanding the ACE Inhibitor Cough

Accupril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
 Accupril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Accupril causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure and helps with symptoms of congestive heart failure.
 
However, scientists also believe that angiotensin-converting enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of other substances in the lungs. When ACE is blocked, these substances can build up in the lungs, which can ultimately lead to a chronic cough.
 
The likelihood of developing a cough while taking an ACE inhibitor appears to be affected by a number of factors, including the specific ACE inhibitor and a person's genetics. Some ACE inhibitors can cause a cough in up to 35 percent of people taking the medicine.
 
(Accupril Cough Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;