Blood Pressure Medicine That Doesn't Make You Cough
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of Americans. It is a serious condition that can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Blood pressure medication is often prescribed to help control hypertension, but some people experience an annoying side effect – coughing. In this article, we will discuss some blood pressure medicine that doesn't make you cough.
What is coughing caused by blood pressure medication?
One of the most common side effects of blood pressure medication is coughing. This side effect is caused by ACE inhibitors, a type of blood pressure medication that works by relaxing blood vessels. When blood vessels relax, they widen, and this can cause a dry cough. Approximately 20% of people who take ACE inhibitors experience this side effect.
It is important to note that not everyone who takes ACE inhibitors will experience coughing. Some people are more susceptible to this side effect than others. If you are experiencing a persistent cough, talk to your doctor about switching to a different blood pressure medication.
Blood pressure medication that doesn't make you cough
If you are experiencing a persistent cough from taking blood pressure medication, there are other options available. The following are blood pressure medications that are less likely to cause coughing:
ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)
ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this hormone, ARBs help relax blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs do not cause coughing as a side effect. Some common ARBs include:
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Irbesartan (Avapro)
- Candesartan (Atacand)
- Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers work by blocking the entry of calcium into the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the muscles to relax, which can lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers do not cause coughing as a side effect. Some common calcium channel blockers include:
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem)
- Nifedipine (Procardia)
- Verapamil (Calan)
Conclusion
If you are experiencing a persistent cough from taking blood pressure medication, there are other options available. ARBs and calcium channel blockers are two types of blood pressure medication that do not cause coughing as a side effect. Talk to your doctor about switching to one of these medications if you are experiencing a persistent cough. Remember, it is important to control your blood pressure to reduce the risk of serious health problems.