skip to main content

ACE inhibitor cough — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsACE inhibitor coughGPhC CRA

A 58-year-old patient taking ramipril 10 mg daily for hypertension asks for cough medicine. The cough is dry, persistent and started several weeks after the dose was increased. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Contact the prescriber to consider switching to an angiotensin receptor blocker

A persistent dry cough is a recognised adverse effect of ACE inhibitors and may require a change to an angiotensin receptor blocker. In this vignette, "Contact the prescriber to consider switching to an angiotensin receptor blocker" is the safest single best answer. The other options are less appropriate because they miss the key clinical risk, conflict with UK medicines guidance, or delay needed review.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS