How long does a cough caused by ACE inhibitors typically last after discontinuation of the medication?

A cough induced by ACE inhibitors is a well-documented side effect, occurring in some patients due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can irritate the respiratory tract. When the medication is discontinued, the cough typically resolves after a short duration.

In most cases, the cough will usually subside within a timeframe of 1 to 4 days after stopping the medication. This relatively quick resolution is due to the drug’s mechanism of action, as the immediate effects of the drug and its influence on bradykinin levels diminish soon after its clearance from the body. This characteristic differentiates the cough from those caused by other conditions, which may persist longer and reflect different underlying pathologies.

A longer duration, such as weeks or months, is not typical for ACE inhibitor-induced cough, as these timeframes would suggest a more chronic underlying issue rather than a simple side effect of medication. Therefore, understanding the typical timeline for symptom resolution is crucial for proper patient management after discontinuation of ACE inhibitors.