Lisinopril – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Lisinopril is used against Hypertension, it is an ACE inhibitor, ACE stands for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme . Lisinopril is used to treat high  blood pressure ( Hypertension ) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

Lisinopril is  also used to treat congestive heart failure in adults, or to improve survival after a heart attack.

Important information about Lisinopril:

Do not use Lisinopril  if you are pregnant. It can harm the fetus. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. You should not use this medication if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take Lisinopril  within 36 hours before or after taking a medicine containing sacubatril (such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not use Lisinopril  together with any medicine that contains aliskiren (such as Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo). You may also need to avoid taking Lisinopril  with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Precautions Before Taking Lisinopril:

You should not use Lisinopril  if you are allergic or if:

• You have a history of angioedema;
• You recently took a heart medication called sacubatril;
• if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril or trandolapril;
• Do not take Lisinopril  within 36 hours before or after taking a medicine containing sacubatril (such as Entresto);
• If you have diabetes, do not use Lisinopril  together with any medicine that contains aliskiren (such as Tekturna or Tekamlo);
• You may also need to avoid taking Lisinopril  with aliskiren if you have kidney disease;
• You should not use this medication if you have hereditary angioedema.

To make sure Lisinopril  is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• Liver disease; or
• High levels of potassium in the blood.
• Do not use Lisinopril  if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately. This medicine can cause injury or death to an unborn baby if you take the medicine during the second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking Lisinopril .

It is not known whether Lisinopril  passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Lisinopril .

How to take Lisinopril?

Take Lisinopril  exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Drink lots of water every day while taking this medicine . Lisinopril can  be taken with or without food. Measure the liquid medication with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dosing spoon or medication cup . If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked frequently, and you may need frequent blood tests. Call your doctor if you experience vomiting or diarrhea, or if you’re sweating more than usual.

You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication . This can lead to very low blood pressure , electrolyte disturbances or kidney failure while taking Lisinopril . If you need surgery, tell the surgeon in advance that you are using Lisinopril .

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

What Happens if You Miss a Dose of Lisinopril?

Take the missed dose of Lisinopril  as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What to Avoid While Taking Lisinopril?

Drinking alcohol can further lower blood pressure and increase some Lisinopril side effects . Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or without drinking enough fluids. Lisinopril can decrease  sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking this medication unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and hold on tight to avoid falling.

Lisinopril side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lisinopril :

• Urticaria;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Difficult breathing;
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have:
• A dizzy feeling, as if you were going to pass out;
• Fever, sore throat;
• High potassium – nausea, weakness, tingling sensation, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, loss of movement;
• Kidney problems – little or no urination, swelling in the feet or ankles, tiredness or shortness of breath;
• Liver problems – nausea, stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Lisinopril  Side Effects May Include:

• Headache, dizziness;
• Cough; or
• Chest pain.

Lisinopril Dosage:

Usual adult dose for hypertension :

• Initial: 10 mg orally once daily; 5 mg orally once daily;
• Maintenance: 20 to 40 mg orally once daily;
• Maximum: 80 mg orally once daily.

NOTE:  The starting dose is 5 mg orally once daily in patients receiving a diuretic. The 80 mg dose is used, but it doesn’t seem to have the greatest effect. If blood pressure is not controlled with Lisinopril alone , a low dose diuretic (eg hydrochlorothiazide, 12.5 mg) may be added. After the addition of a diuretic, it may be possible to reduce the dose of Lisinopril .

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

• Initial: 2.5 to 5 mg orally once daily;
• Maintenance: The dose should be increased as tolerated;
• Maximum: 40 mg orally once daily.

NOTE:   The diuretic dose may need to be adjusted to help minimize hypovolemia, which can contribute to hypotension. The appearance of hypotension after the initial dose of Lisinopril  does not preclude subsequent careful dose titration with the drug.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Lisinopril?

Tell your doctor about all your current medications and any you start or stop using, especially:

• In addition, lithium;
• A diuretic or “water pill”;
• Also, gold injections to treat arthritis;
• Insulin or oral diabetes medication ;
• Also, a potassium supplement;
• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection – everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus;
• Also, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others.

Other information:

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others and use Lisinopril  only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.