PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsEasy
A patient calls the pharmacy to report that they are experiencing a 'bad cough' since starting their new blood pressure medication, 'lisinopril 10 mg, take 1 tablet daily'. The pharmacy technician should recognize this as a common side effect of which class of medications?
- ACalcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
- BDiuretics
- CBeta-blockers
- DAngiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Lisinopril is an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. A persistent, dry cough is a well-known and common side effect of ACE inhibitors, occurring in up to 20% of patients. It is due to the accumulation of bradykinin.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. CCBs are not typically associated with a persistent dry cough as a common side effect.
- B. Diuretics do not commonly cause a persistent cough.
- C. Beta-blockers can cause bronchospasm in susceptible individuals, but a dry cough is not their primary or most common side effect.
ACE Inhibitor Cough
A common, persistent, dry cough that can occur in patients taking Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
- Caused by accumulation of bradykinin in the airways.
- Can occur anytime during therapy, even years after starting.
- Often resolves within 1-4 weeks after discontinuation of the ACE inhibitor.
Memory trick: ACE Inhibitors Cause Cough Everytime