THEOPHYLLINE IN THE INHIBITION OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR-INDUCED COUGH

Preliminary reports suggest that some pharmacologic agents may be effe ctive in ameliorating angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-in duced cough and, perhaps, allowing continuing use of ACE inhibitors in patients for whom this class of medication is important. We examined the effect of a once-a-day theophylline formulation on ACE inhibitor-i nduced cough and on the sensitivity of the cough reflex to capsaicin i n 10 hypertensive patients who had developed cough during treatment wi th an ACE inhibitor. Theophylline did not induce bronchodilation but i nduced complete remission of clinical symptoms in 8 and attenuated the capsaicin-induced cough number in 7 subjects when compared with place bo. Theophylline may thus be effective in preventing ACE inhibitor-ind uced cough.