AboutWilliam B. Jeffries, Ph.D. Expertise Questions on the mechanism of action and side effects of antihypertensive drugs, the epidemiology of hypertension and the cardiovascular complications of untreated or undertreated high blood pressure
Experience I have been an investigator in the field of hypertension research for over 20 years.
Organizations Council for High Blood Pressure Research
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
American Heart Association
Publications Hypertension, Journal of Hypertension, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Molecular Pharmacology, American Journal of Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Dentistry
Question My grandmother has uncontrolled hypertension. She is currently on Metoprolol 25mg daily, ASA 81mg daily, Lisinopril 20mg bid. Lisinopril is giving her terrible dry cough which I know is the common side effect and she cannot tolerate it. Can she switch to Diovan to replace Lisinopril?Do ARBs have side effect of cough? (She used to be on CCB but MD replaced it with Lisinopril and her BP is improving)
Answer The primary indication for angiotensin receptor blockers is in patients who experience side effects of ACE inhibitors such as cough and/or angioedema. If her doctor determines that the cough is due to the lisinopril (cough occurs in about 10% of patients taking ACE inhibitors) then a switch to Cozaar or Diovan would be logical.
