Ramipril cough

[Lucy_Hall]

My surgeon took me off Ramipril because of the cough I had developed. How long should I expect it to take for the cough to go? I’m finding it to be a real setback after a good initial recovery from AVR 10 weeks ago. I’m getting very little sleep and the coughing zaps my energy.

Apart from the above mentioned effects, I need some idea of how long I should wait for it to subside before I get it checked out by my GP. Don’t want to waste their time because I’m feeling sorry for myself!

[NotAllWhoWonder]

It took me a while to figure out that the annoying, incessant, dry cough I had developed was caused by Ramipril. It's almost been a year since I had my MI's, so thankfully I won't have to endure it much longer after all my medication is reviewed.

I'm not sure what other alternatives there are to Ramipril, though, but one has to wonder whether or not we've been put on a lot of these medications purely as a precautionary measure post treatment, or if it's actively doing something?

[Chappychap]

It took four or five months before my Ramipril dry cough was down to negligible levels.

Incidentally, all ACE Inhibitors have this side effect, not just Ramipril, so your doctor would have to move you to a completely different class of drug if you request a switch.

Doctors are acutely conscious that patients may simply refuse to take their medication, so they tend to switch medication very early in the process rather than encourage the patient to stick it out.

When it comes to Ramipril I'm not sure that's always the best strategy, it's interesting that if you look at doctors with heart conditions they generally take Ramipril even if it causes them to cough, I wonder what they know about the efficacy of Ramipril that makes them willing to tough it out?

[Lucy_Hall in reply to Chappychap]

Changed to Losartan. At hospital on Friday for assessment prior to cardio rehab, might see if I can get some advice from a cardio nurse!

[sindia3b in reply to Lucy_Hall]

I too changed to Losartan. Much better

[Maisie2014]

My doctor changed me to Losartan. I had a cold too so didn’t lose the cough for two weeks but have been cough free ever since.

[Lucy_Hall in reply to Maisie2014]

That sounds wonderful 🤞🤞

[Burkey1816]

Hi Lucy I had the same problem at night and it's common problem on the NHS flagship tablet Ramipril I'm now on Losartan, it did take a month maybe for my cough to go. Good look and get well soon, Phil

[Lucy_Hall]

7 1/2 weeks since I stopped taking Ramipril and cough is still vicious. It’s more distressing than the immediate aftermath of the surgery. It takes me unawares, people on trains and in supermarkets back off from me, and I daren’t to go to the local small theatre for fear of ruining the performance. I’ve given up wearing makeup because I cough it off and end up looking like a Goth. Not getting much sleep either.

On the plus side, I’ve done the 6 week cardio rehab programme and am feeling quite fit. I can walk for miles on the flat. Waiting for the snails pace DVLA to return my licence to me so I can drive to the hills for a bit of variety and a slope!

[Maisie2014]

Do you have hay fever? That can give you a similar cough to the Ramipril. The pollen count is very high at the moment.

[Lucy_Hall in reply to Maisie2014]

I don’t usually get hay fever but I’m sure the weather is contributing to it. Pharmacist was reluctant to make any suggestions, GP just said I’d have to put up with it. Seeing surgeon next week so may ask him if he has any suggestions. Just off to mow the lawn, that should be a test😂. May wear a mask.

[Maisie2014]

Then I’d find another GP. mine recognised the cough immediately and prescribed Losartan. The cough really knocks you out. Mowing the lawn used to nearly kill me when I was younger. My hay fever used to be so bad. Old age tones it down a little. Another thing to try with the cough is Vicks vapour rub on your chest. I used it for the kids when they were little and out of desperation tried it while waiting for the Losartan to kick in. It worked really well and no side effects.

[Lucy_Hall in reply to Maisie2014]

I am on Losartan, that’s what I was changed to by my surgeon. The GP was just a bit unsympathetic, even if he hadn’t got a solution, a Positive stroke would have been nice! I’ll try the Vick, thanks for the suggestion. Thankfully the lawn isn’t too big or long.