Developing a dry cough is a condition that affects most people at least once in a lifetime, and it is usually easily remedied with the countless variations of cough syrups and lozenges there are for sale. But when the dry cough is a side effect of a special medication like Lisinopril, then you must beware of taking any cough medicine. Lisinopril is a drug called an ACE inhibitor, which works directly on the blood vessels of the body, keeping them from narrowing by restraining the constricting effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme or ACE. Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitor drugs are known for being especially sensitive when it comes to combining them with other medicines, and it can react and cause drug interactions, some of which can be severe.

A dry cough is a pretty common side effect of taking most drugs, but it has become rather infamous as being the most noticeable and persistent of all Lisinopril side effects. Most sufferers of this side effect describe it as starting as a stubborn itching in the throat, and that in most cases, drinking liquids or taking cough syrups approved by their doctors do little to dispel it. Dry cough spells can escalate to a point that people can develop breathing difficulty or sleep problems, and the only way to remedy it is to stop Lisinopril therapy. However, Lisinopril should only be stopped with your doctor’s approval, and you might need to understand that Lisinopril’s benefits on controlling your blood pressure and protecting you from heart problems may be far more important to you than the dry cough.

Fortunately the dry cough isn’t as alarming as the bloody cough that is one of the Coumadin side effects, and although it may be extremely irritating, it’s actually a rather safe side effect compared to other side effects of Lisinopril such as cardiac arrhythmia, liver disorders, or decreased urination. Taking of cough syrups and other medications should be first referred to your doctor, who will know which ones don’t hold the danger of interacting with Lisinopril. Natural methods like gargling with hot salty water and drinking soothing ginger tea can help fight off the itchiness, and these two natural remedies are far more preferable than risking drug interaction with lozenges and cough medicines. Organic apple cider vinegar diluted in water can also stop the throat from itching while raw honey can soothe a sore throat from too much coughing. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep the throat hydrated and prevent itchiness from starting.