Does Losartan Cause Severe Cough?

Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2014

Question: They recently noticed I have high bloopressure like 154/101 and 164/104 they put me on lisinopril 5 mg got that horrorble cough reaction from it after couple sleeples coughing notes they took me off and changed drug to losartan 50 mg. I'm 2 days off lisinopril still coughing.. getting better,to scared to take losartan worried to get cough from that one too cuz same drug class..does losartan cause same problem or not?just worried and scared now

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Very rarely Losartan causes dry cough.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
Lisinopril (ACE inhibitors) are seriously related with trouble some dry cough. Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) like Losartan rarely cause cough.
At present for your cough you can take cough suppressant available on the counter like Benadryl.
This cough will go in some time.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Since I'm kinda scared now is it OK to just try carefully like half a pill? I'm new to blood pressure meds my pressure without meds usually goes down in evening to bout140/94

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
There is nothing to worry as such.
You can safely take the dose advised to you
If you will take the half dose, your BP won't get controlled.
Infact, if you are very much worried, there are other class of Anti Hypertensives too like Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers.
You can discuss with your doctor and shift to other class of Anti Hypertensive drugs.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar