People's Pharmacy: Chronic cough tied to blood-pressure medications

Q: My insurance company refused the blood-pressure drug my doctor prescribed (Hyzaar) and had me take lisinopril instead. After one month, I got a cough from hell!

I've had allergies, so my doctor and I thought nothing of the cough. Two months later, I couldn't lie down to sleep without gagging. Thinking I had TB or cancer, I got a chest X-ray and was ready to see a specialist.

Then the nurse suggested my symptoms might be caused by lisinopril. I was changed to Benicar and am slowly getting over the cough.

A: It astonishes us how many people are not warned about cough due to lisinopril or other ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril, quinapril, ramipril). Up to one-third of patients taking such blood-pressure medications may experience chronic cough (Chest supplement, January 2006).

Benicar, like Avapro, Cozaar, Diovan and Hyzaar, is a different kind of blood-pressure medicine and is far less likely to cause a persistent cough.

Q: Should I be concerned about the dangers of triclosan found in liquid antibacterial hand soap, toothpaste and my lipstick? One of the members of our Special Needs Children group brought in an article about it. Many of us were shocked.

Some of the side effects were birth defects and thyroid problems, and we have both in our house.

A: This antibacterial ingredient is found in cleaning supplies, deodorants, liquid soaps, toothpaste, shaving cream and mouthwash. Research in rodents and many species of aquatic animals demonstrates that triclosan disrupts hormones and may cause developmental changes. Studies linking it to thyroid problems have been done in mice and frogs.

The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization, has summarized information about triclosan toxicity on its Web site (www.ewg.org). There is evidence that triclosan from personal-care products gets into our bodies and contaminates streams and rivers. Despite environmental concerns, there is no definitive proof that triclosan harms humans.

Washing with ordinary soap and water is just as good as washing with antibacterial soap, according to researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. If you need a hand sanitizer, an alcohol-based product such as Purell should pose no risk.

Q: My daughter has poison ivy battles every year starting about this time. I remember reading about a remedy to help ward off a rash. What was it?

A: Barrier creams such as IvyBlock, Ivy Shield and Tecnu can help keep poison-ivy resin away from the skin. Washing right after exposure with soap and water or a specialized product such as Zanfel also can help prevent a rash.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th floor, New York, NY 10019, or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org