Ramipril and Cough: What Users Say

• idi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I'm 60, and blood pressure was too high. Started on Ramipril two months ago and foolishly persevered (2.5mg a day). Doctor said side effects would pass with time; they didn't. Shortness of breath, dizziness, blurred vision, chronic fatigue, joint pain, and a dry cough have made life pretty unpleasant. In brief, Ramipril makes me feel ill, and I regret staying on them for too long."

• dia...
• April 16, 2011

Ramipril for High Blood Pressure "I started on Altace for blood pressure of 145/90. Brought my BP down to 130's and 80's. During this period (2 yrs) I had a cough that progressively got worse, to the point everyone thought I was catching a cold. I would cough every day. By the end of the second year when I would cough, I would gag and cough up clear liquid. I spoke to the doctor and she said, 'Oh no, your cough is not from this.' Well, I reread the pharmacy papers and it was stated that a possible side effect of this medicine is a cough. I called the doctor and told her what I read, she agreed to change my prescription, and within a couple of days my cough was gone. So if you have a persistent cough (dry or wet) on any medicines for more than a month, please investigate the side effects."

• MsD...
• March 11, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Taken for 2 months. Hate it. Side effects are awful :( Headache, loss of energy, bone/joint pain, ringing in ears, numbness/tingling of hands and toes, light-headedness, confusion, visual issues, sensitivity to light, cough, muscle pain, stomach ache-too much to list. It does bring pressure down but may not last 24 hours. After 3 weeks, my BP was finally lower than 140/90 in the mornings. Next appointment, I'm off this drug. Can't take it :("

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Took this med ramipril for several weeks for high BP, hoped cough would go away but the cough became disruptive and unbearable to the point of gagging, gasping for air and a feeling of being smothered. I slept with my clothes on, in case I had to call an ambulance because I could not breathe. I felt quite panicky, my ribs hurt from coughing and I developed aches and pains all over my body. Cough became very bronchial with wheezing, whistling noises and a croupy sound. My feet tingled and burned and I was dizzy and extremely exhausted. Scalp broke out in an itchy, scaly rash. I could barely function. Went off this medication a couple of months ago but the symptoms persisted. Today, October 24, 2019, is the first day that the cough is less severe and I don't feel like I'm being smothered. The sores on my scalp are still there as well as the aches and pains. Hopefully they'll all disappear now."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Female, 48, healthy, runner, probably half a stone overweight, but not much. I had high blood pressure (148/98) for a couple of weeks. Initial visit to doctor was for muscle aches and headaches. Blood tests revealed very low Vitamin D, so I was given a Vitamin D 6-month program and Naproxin NSAIDs for pains. Then 2 weeks later, Ramipril 1.25 was prescribed, and I was told to stop the NSAIDs. My BP was down to 138/86 straight away, but I constantly feel like I am having a panic attack. My heart feels too heavy and fluttery? My muscular pains are all back, headaches, a small cough, dryness, and tonsils are feeling swollen. Weird. Glad I found this site, I think the doctor was too quick to prescribe! Going for a second opinion."

• Sam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 28, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I took this medication for 5 years for high blood pressure. I started on a dosage of 2.5 mg, then slowly increased the dosage to 10 mg, which I was on for the last 3 years. It reduced my blood pressure, but over the last 3 years, I developed severe pains in the stomach, pain when urinating, increased stools, and extreme fatigue. I was diagnosed with suspected IBS and possible food intolerances. About 2 months ago, I started to get very dizzy and developed a constant cough. The doctor took me off Ramipril, and the dizziness and cough soon stopped, all my stomach issues subsided, and I was back to having energy again. I was completely back to normal within 2 weeks of stopping Ramipril. I took this drug for 5 years, and while it lowered my blood pressure, it had adverse side effects for me."

• Har...
• November 24, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "On November 19, 2019: I was with the doctor and nurse, both found my BP very high from 180/100 up to 200/110. I was prescribed it more than 1 year ago, and now I was questioned by them why I was not taking it. As it was too high and I was at the risk of having a stroke, I decided to take it. Right from the next day, my highest BP was 150/97. I normally get up early for prayer. This morning, just after I got up, the BP reading was 112/77. To me, this is working at the cost of some less serious side effects such as occasional dry cough, feeling a little bit of nausea, eyes boring (it was worse when I slept 6 hours, and it was not there when I slept for 7), feeling as if I have a very low level of fever. I needed something to make the BP down, and I am glad this worked. Mind you, I am taking 5 mg a day. I suppose any dose less than that would have much lesser side effects on me. I am thinking to request the doctor for a lower dose."

• Gil...
• March 7, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I was on this drug for 6 months. Prior to this, I took amlodipine for 7 months. Although my blood pressure was reduced to normal, my experiences are as follows: postural hypotension - felt terrible; the full works. Diarrhea, gastrointestinal inflammation, digestive disturbances, abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea, glossitis, fatigue, tinnitus, cough, nonproductive tickling cough, cough increased, plus mucus cough, dyspnea, confusional state, disturbance in attention, maculopapular rash, decreased appetite, muscle spasm - shakes, pharyngitis, earache, bleeding gums on cleaning, thickened mucus, dry nose, scabby and bleeding, reduced urination, increase in heartburn, lump in throat, sleeping for 25 hours at a time. Breathing is so bad, now I have COPD."

• Ema...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I started on ramipril for my high blood pressure (2.5 mg) at the beginning of Feb 2018 - 6 weeks in and I'm fine apart from a seriously irritating cough - that comes without warning even when you are sat quietly or engaged in conversation - it makes your eyes water - been back to the Dr today and he has given me 25 mg of Losartan that is slightly higher in dose but apparently will ease this cough from ramipril - I'm a bit apprehensive to take it but can't carry on with the ramipril cough - (I stuck between rock and a hard place springs to mind) - going to take a few weeks to work but I will update with how things are going - I'm 43"

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Started the drug a week ago due to high blood pressure 182/107. This wasn't taken at the hospital when I was due for an infusion for my rheumatoid arthritis. Told I would not be given it and to see my GP. He took blood pressure that dropped by 30 points from the previous day. Think white coat syndrome may be involved. Anyway, have now been taken off it after not even a week as suffering from nausea, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, heart fluttering. Seeing GP in a couple of weeks and will take it from there. Only thing I got told when I asked about side effects was that I might get a cough."

• pil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2025

For High Blood Pressure "Had pills since the beginning of December, got a cough in the first week of taking them. Now, 6 weeks later, I've had to come off them as it's a side effect. Now been left with a bad hacking cough and thick white phlegm. This is the side effect of ramipril. Was only on 1.25 mg."

• Bro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2020

For Heart Failure "Was taking ramipril in conjunction with carvedilol for congestive heart failure. It *does* lower blood pressure. For that, it works. But I was waking up several times a night with foamy phlegm. Worse, I had tonsil stones every single day (and previously had them only half a dozen times in 50 years). The most concerning, though, was that I wanted to ditch my husband and just disappear from everyone; thoughts that were completely foreign to me. Forgot my prescription med when I went on a week-long trip and guess what? The cough is near gone, I'm sleeping through the night, no more tonsil stones, and I love my family again. You have to choose what's worse. For me, my BP was only in the 130s/90s. The side effects aren't worth it. Cut out most salt instead and losing weight. If your BP is dangerously high, the Rx does lower it. The side effects are miserable, though."

• Hea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 30, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "14 years I have been on this medication, and at first, it worked, blood pressure came down reasonably well, but 4 years ago, it started climbing back up again, and I saw my GP, who took me off it and instead prescribed Candesartan. My cough has gone, and my blood pressure is now the lowest it has been for years."

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I was really apprehensive about starting ramipril, but it has been fine so far. My BP has come down immediately, and I feel better. Within 20 minutes of taking the first pill, I unexpectedly felt a brief moment of a feeling of calm. I am fortunate to so far not have gotten the cough side effect. I get a very mild headache in the day sometimes, which I can live with, and I hope that will go away in time. I am only on a 1.25 mg dose at this point. I’ll check my bloods and BP in a couple of weeks. Overall, a week in - I feel glad I am taking this medication because my BP is now in the normal range."

• Ski...
• October 23, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "58 yr old male, good health other than BP...seems to run in one side of my family. Tried everything from diet, exercise, alternative meds, supplements, meditation. All helped a little but not enough. 140/90 (morning) to 160/100 (evening) readings before 2.5 mg Ramipril per day. Within days, readings dropped by about 15 points across the board. I was taking 5 mg of lisinopril for a month, but Doc changed med due to the many side effects and less effectiveness to lower BP. I have very few side effects from Ramipril vs. lisinopril. The cough, dry throat, and chest phlegm thing is still present but more tolerable. An additional change has been the more diuretic effect of Ramipril on me, which may be resulting in the lower readings overall."

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "My lipidologist prescribed Ramipril 10 mg 2x/day beginning on 4.15.21 to begin treating my elevated BP 140's - 160+. He warned of a potential coughing side effect, as this med belongs to the ACE category of artery 'relaxers.' My coughing and throat tightening type spasms, like a hot flash, began immediately and kept me waking up at night. He said it was the best for preventing a stroke, so I tried it over 40 days, with minimal lower results, although I did see a few 120's, which was encouraging. I could no longer continue this med due to excessive side effects, which are starting to diminish now that I have stopped Ramipril. My MD switched me to Telmisartan (Micardis), which is in the ARB category of artery meds and typically does not have the coughing side effect. He has added a water pill, so I am beginning to get more consistent lower readings and no apparent side effects 'YET'?"

• Ann...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 27, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on it for 10 years. I have the cough, very tired, keep falling asleep, and reduced appetite. Also, achy joints (that could be age related). Today I forgot to take it and felt a lot better, with no cough or falling asleep. I am on 2.5 mg."

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I am having a completely identical experience to W9 Boy: “Taken for 1 to 2 years September 16, 2021. I've been on 1.25 Ramipril since a valve replacement last year. I take it at night. It gives me tinnitus, patchy skin, cough, and I feel tired a lot. I was taking beta blockers as well for a few weeks but stopped. Average BP has gone down from 135/90 to 122/78. But I don't know if it's worth it. Can't see a doctor as I'm in London and the wheels have completely come off our National Health Service - it's in chaos.” Why isn’t howling tinnitus listed as a side effect? I stopped taking it and it not only went away, but I felt hugely better generally. Got chatting to a doctor (in a pub, not possible to get an appointment), and he advised taking them again so tinnitus is back."

• W9 ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on 1.25 Ramipril since a valve replacement last year. I take it at night. It gives me tinnitus, patchy skin, cough, and I feel tired a lot. I was taking beta blockers as well for a few weeks but stopped. Average BP has gone down from 135/90 to 122/78. But don't know if it's worth it. Can't see a doctor as I'm in London, and the wheels have completely come off our National Health Service - it's in chaos."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2025

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on ramipril tablets for about 6 months now. I feel awful on them. Coughing really bad. Headaches, tightness in my head and ears. Feel not myself at all on them. Pains in my stomach and anxious all the time. Need to come off them, but scared."

• lad...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 8, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on this medication since 2011 and was fine until recently when I got a bad cough. Do I live with the cough or ask for another pill? Other than that, I have taken this without any problems."

• Dol...
• October 23, 2016

Ramipril for High Blood Pressure "The only side effect is the cough, other than that, I tolerate it perfectly with no other side effects."

• Loo...
• June 1, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I took the tablets, 10 mg a day for six months. They didn't lower the bottom number on my BP reading, I also developed a cough."

• Bea...
• February 16, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on ramipril for about 4 years now. I have a cough for 4 months. Was on 5 mg, but today I have stopped taking them to see if the cough is from the tablets."

• Vbt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "After starting to take the medication, I have a dry cough, chest heaviness, and ED. Even when my primary doctor said it has no side effects."