I have been started on lisinopril and have started to develop leg cramps especially at night. Are the cramps related to my medication?

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor and is quite effective for blood pressure.

The most common reported side effects of this medication include a drug cough, mild nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. Muscle cramps or spams are very rare with lisinopril but they have been reported. The cramps often occur after long term use and usually subside when the drug is discontinued. 

The best advice is to see your doctor,  get some blood work done and look at the levels of calcium and potassium. Perhaps your doctor should also check your legs and ensure that you do not have any peripheral vascular disease. If the cramps are severe, you may need a change in your blood pressure medication. 

In the mean time, do not stop or change the dose of lisinopril until you have been seen by your doctor

I was just started on captopril and have developed a dry cough. Is this related to the medication?

Captopril is a very good drug for control of blood pressure. The medication is relatively cheap and has minimal side effects. However, one of the side effects of ACE inhibitors like captopril is a dry cough. Usually the cough starts after 1-2 weeks and disappears in 4-6 weeks. 

Unfortunately, in some cases, the cough will persist. The only way to know if the cough is related to the medication is to stop the pill and see if the cough disappears. Some patients who develop a dry cough from ACE inhibitors, like captopril will need a change of medication. 

The alternative medications for blood pressure control include the angiotensin receptor blockers, which are also a lot more expensive. If your cough persists, speak to your doctor. In the meantime do not change the dose or stop your medication until you have spoken to your doctor.