What Causes Chronic Cough While On Amlodipine?

Posted on Mon, 25 Apr 2016

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

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 75 and I have an aggravating cough I do not smoke. I do not feel sick. I am otherwise healthy. Could it be my blood pressure meds. I take amlodipine. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cough:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I am sorry you are having a chronic cough. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker blood pressure medicine, and usually this class (calcium channel blockers) do not cause a chronic cough. Chronic dry coughs are common with a different type of blood pressure medicine called ACE inhibitors. Are you on any other blood pressure medicines?

While a cough is not a common side effect of a calcium channel blocker, we can never say that a medication can never cause a particular symptom for someone.

Acid reflux (which may be "silent", i.e. not causing a person to be aware of it) can cause a cough. Also, post nasal drainage from allergies or sensitivities to smells (such as perfumes, fabric softener) can cause a chronic cough too. So you might want to think about if acid reflux could be a problem or if you feel or see any drainage in the back of your throat.

Asthma or other respiratory problems can cause a cough-variation symptom. But you mentioned you feel well, so I will assume no shortness of breath or heart problems.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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