抄録
To examine the frequency of developing a dry cough due to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and its affecting factors, 134 inpatients receiving ACE inhibitors were interviewed to clarify whether or not they experienced dry cough, as a part of pharmaceutical consultations. One pharmacist conducted all interviews to avoid any biased impression of the patients. The development of dry cough was observed in 34 patients (26. 1%), and severe dry cough was noted in 9 patients. The frequency of the development was much higher than that described in the Interview Form provided by the pharmaceutical companies. The development of dry cough was not affected by the gender or age of the patients, and no relationship was found with the daily dosage of ACE inhibitors, smoking habit, the presence of pulmonary disease and the co-administration with drugs influencing the respiratory function. However, the incidence of dry cough induced by the administration of perindopril was significantly higher than that induced by enalapril, and dry cough tended to develop at night. In addition, the incidence of dry cough in the patient group who understood the presence of dry cough as a side effect was significantly higher than that in the group without such knowledge.. However, the complete disappearance of dry cough could be achieved in all patients by changing the medication to angiotensin II receptor antagonists based on the proposal of the pharmacists.
These results suggest that there is a difference in the development of dry cough among individual ACE inhibitors, and the incidence is, at least partly, dependent upon the comprehension levels and the psychological state of the patient. The present examination should be of clinical importance since it can help patients obtain proper drug therapy by the early detection of adverse effects.
