Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, commonly known as ARBs, are a class of medications frequently prescribed to manage various cardiovascular and renal conditions. These medicines primarily function by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. ARBs are used for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease. Individuals taking these medications often wonder about potential side effects, including a persistent cough.
The Link Between ARBs and Cough
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers are generally not associated with a persistent dry cough. This absence of cough is a notable characteristic that often leads healthcare providers to prescribe ARBs to individuals who experience a cough with a different class of blood pressure medication. The occurrence of a cough directly caused by an ARB is extremely uncommon.
ARBs do not typically lead to the accumulation of substances in the airways that trigger coughing. Their mechanism of action differs in a way that avoids this particular side effect. Consequently, if a cough develops while taking an ARB, it is frequently attributed to other causes, rather than the medication itself.
Why ACE Inhibitors Are Different
The common dry, persistent cough associated with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors stems from their specific mechanism of action. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This enzyme also plays a role in breaking down a substance called bradykinin.
When ACE inhibitors block this enzyme, bradykinin accumulates in the lungs and airways. Elevated levels of bradykinin can irritate nerve endings in the respiratory tract, leading to a dry, hacking cough. This biochemical pathway is distinct from how ARBs function, explaining why the cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors but not ARBs.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About a Cough
Developing a new or worsening cough while taking any medication, including an ARB, warrants a conversation with a healthcare professional. A cough can be a symptom of various conditions unrelated to your medication, such as common infections, allergies, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other medications you may be taking could also contribute to a cough.
It is important to determine the cause of the cough to ensure appropriate management. Never discontinue your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, as stopping treatment abruptly can have adverse health consequences. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, consider other potential causes, and adjust your treatment plan if necessary to address the cough safely and effectively.