[Side effects in 28 patients treated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in arterial hypertension in general practice].

ACE-inhibitors have long been considered to be connected with only a few side-effects. Their use in clinical practice has shown that a considerable number of patients develop a dry, non-productive cough, resistant to treatment. The cause is hitherto unknown, but ACE-inhibition has been proved to alter the cough reflex. Non-smokers seem to cough more often than smokers, and females more often than males. Registration of side-effects in 28 patients treated for arterial hypertension in general practice in the years 1985-1988 is presented.