ACEIs involve more dry cough than ARBs

A new Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality study has found that two classes of antihypertensives—angiotensin—converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)-are equally effective at managing hypertension. However, of the two, ACEIs are associated with a higher incidence of dry cough than ARBs (1.7% versus 0.6%). The study, done by AHRQ's Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center, covered 16,597 patients for 12 weeks to five years. It did not examine other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics or beta-blockers. The results can be accessed at AHRQ's Effective Health Care