ACE inhibitor- versus angiotensin II blocker-induced cough and angioedema.

Objective: To compare the tolerability of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with that of angiotensin II (AII)-receptor blockers and the incidence of cough and angioedema associated with their use through review of published data.

Data Sources: References were identified through a MEDLINE search of articles published between January 1975 and April 1997. Bibliographies of pertinent references were also reviewed.

Results: Results of placebo-controlled and comparative trials of the AII blockers demonstrate that they are at least as effective as ACE inhibitors for hypertension, but exhibit an incidence of cough and absent or rare angioedema like that of placebo.

Conclusions: In the 10 comparative trials described, all reported a lower incidence of cough with AII blockers than with ACE inhibitors. Angioedema was not reported in the comparative trials described.