Drug Name

Lisinopril (Lisinopril)

Drug Uses

Lisinopril is used to treat elevated blood pressure as well as heart failure.

How Taken

Lisinopril should be used at doses specifically directed by the physician. Lisinopril can be used with or without food. Lisinopril should be used at the alike time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. Lisinopril should not be used within two hours of using an antacid since the antacid binds lisinopril as well as prevents its absorption. Lisinopril is often tapered when discontinuing.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin is a artificial that is made by the body continuously. It narrows blood vessels as well as thereby maintains (elevates) blood pressure. When the enzyme is blocked by lisinopril, angiotensin cannot be converted into its active form. As a result, blood pressure falls.

Interestingly, lisinopril as well as other ACE inhibitors were developed from the venom of a poisonous Brazilian snake.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But, incase it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose as well as take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage

Lisinopril should be stored in a moistureless place at 15-30°C (59-86 °F)

Warnings/Precautions

Take caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lisinopril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Incase you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities as well as notify your doctor. As well as take caution when rising from a sitting or lying position. Take alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness as well as dizziness while you are using lisinopril. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure as well as increase drowsiness as well as dizziness when you are using lisinopril. Do not take salt substitutes or potassium supplements while using lisinopril except under the supervision of your doctor. Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very abridged blood pressure, dizziness, as well as fainting during therapy with lisinopril. Maintain proper fluid intake to halt dehydration as well as related side effects. Earliest doses of lisinopril or any ACE inhibitor should be used under observation incase the patient as well as is using diuretics (water pills). In such patients, blood pressure can drop quickly (though this is unusual). In common, lisinopril should not be used with potassium supplements or diuretics that conserve potassium, e.g., Dyazide, since blood potassium levels may rise to dangerous levels. Lisinopril should not be used during pregnancy.

Likely Side Effects

Earliest doses of lisinopril can cause dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure. Lisinopril should be stopped incase there are symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction including feelings of swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Very bad allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) as well as hives occasionally occur.

An uncommon but dangerous side effect is a drop in the pale blood cells which fight infection. Cough is a known side effect of this drug.

Lisinopril can impair the function of the kidneys, as well as every person using this medication should possess their kidney function checked. Lisinopril rarely can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion as well as sexual dysfunction.

More Information

• Incase you experience any of the following humorless side effects, halt using lisinopril as well as consult your doctor immediately or seek emergency health examination treatment:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • difficulty breathing;
  • little or no urine;
  • an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat;
  • chest pain;
  • very bad dizziness or fainting; or
  • signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.
• Other, less humorless side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take lisinopril as well as talk to your doctor incase you experience
  • mild dizziness or lightheadedness;
  • headache;
  • unusual fatigue or weakness;
  • dry, tickling cough;
  • muscle cramps;
  • numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs;
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  • a rash; or
  • impotence.
• Side effects other than those listed here may as well as occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.