Interventional Case Series: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE-I)–Induced Cough: Is Rechallenge With a Second ACE-I Worthwhile?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) are a cornerstone of therapy with proven morbidity and mortality benefit in many disease states. The unpredictable, bothersome cough that occurs in 15% to 41% of patients oftentimes leads to noncompliance or discontinuation. Management of ACE-I-induced cough remains controversial. The authors’ objective was to determine whether patients experiencing an ACE-I-induced cough could be successfully switched to a different ACE-I without recurrent cough. A total of 10 participants deemed to have ACE-I-induced cough were enrolled in an interventional case series to assess whether they could tolerate rechallenge with an alternative ACE-I. During phase 1, ACE-I therapy was stopped for up to 4 weeks to allow the cough to resolve. During phase 2, participants were rechallenged with an alternative ACE-I and followed for 4 months. Of the 10 participants who consented to enroll, 6 were rechallenged with a second ACE-I. Cough recurred in 4 of these within 1 week (5-7 days), whereas 2 participants continued ACE-I therapy cough-free. Results suggest that a small percentage of patients with ACE-I-induced cough tolerate an alternative ACE-I. For patients with a true ACE-I-induced cough who are motivated to continue an ACE-I, a trial of a second ACE-I may be worthwhile.