Lisinopril is a medication that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing the workload on the heart.
In addition to its primary use for hypertension, lisinopril may also be used for:
- Heart failure: Lisinopril can help manage symptoms of heart failure by reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow.
- Post-heart attack care: Lisinopril may be prescribed after a heart attack to improve heart function and prevent further damage.
- Diabetic nephropathy: Lisinopril can be used to manage kidney disease in people with diabetes.
- Migraine prevention: Some research has suggested that lisinopril may be effective in preventing migraines, though this use is not yet approved by the FDA.
As with any medication, lisinopril should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider, and patients should be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Side effects of Lisinopril
Like all medications, lisinopril can have side effects, although not everyone who takes the medication will experience them. Some common side effects of lisinopril may include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Rash or itching
- Loss of taste or changes in taste
More serious side effects are rare, but can occur. These can include:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fainting
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeats
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Signs of infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat
If you experience any of these more serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you experience any new or unusual symptoms while taking lisinopril. They may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
How should I take lisinopril
Lisinopril is typically taken once daily, usually in the morning. It can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to take it consistently with respect to food, as food can affect the absorption of the medication.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking lisinopril, as they will determine the appropriate dosage and schedule based on your specific health needs.
Here are some general guidelines for taking lisinopril:
- Take lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
- Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
- It may take several weeks for lisinopril to start working effectively, so be patient and continue taking it as prescribed.
- Do not stop taking lisinopril without consulting your healthcare provider, as suddenly stopping the medication can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to take lisinopril, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
lisinopril Interactions
Lisinopril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Like all medications, lisinopril may interact with other drugs or supplements, potentially affecting its effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects. Here are some common interactions to be aware of:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen with lisinopril can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of lisinopril and increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics: Combining lisinopril with these drugs can cause high levels of potassium in the blood, leading to muscle weakness, nausea, and heart rhythm disturbances.
- Diuretics: Lisinopril is often used in combination with diuretics to lower blood pressure, but using too many diuretics can cause dehydration and further lower blood pressure.
- Lithium: Taking lisinopril with lithium can increase the level of lithium in the blood, leading to toxicity.
- Other blood pressure medications: Combining lisinopril with other blood pressure-lowering medications can further lower blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can lower blood pressure, and combining it with lisinopril can increase the risk of fainting or other side effects.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal products. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your lisinopril dose or monitor your condition more closely to prevent potential interactions.
lisinopril Dosing information
Lisinopril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. The dosing information for lisinopril can vary depending on the condition being treated and individual factors such as age, weight, and medical history.
For high blood pressure, the usual starting dose of lisinopril is 10 mg once daily. The dose may be increased to 20-40 mg once daily, depending on blood pressure response. For patients with a history of heart failure, the starting dose is usually 2.5-5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 20-40 mg once daily. For patients with a recent heart attack, the starting dose is 5 mg within the first 24 hours, followed by 5 mg after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours, and then 10 mg once daily.
Lisinopril can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day. It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking lisinopril without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you feel well.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
It is important to note that lisinopril can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking. Additionally, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking lisinopril to ensure it is effectively managing your condition.
lisinopril overdose
An overdose of lisinopril can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, and fainting. In severe cases, an overdose can cause shock, kidney failure, or even death. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately.
Treatment of a lisinopril overdose may include providing supportive care such as fluids, oxygen, and medications to manage symptoms such as low blood pressure. In some cases, dialysis may be necessary to remove the excess medication from the body.
To prevent an overdose, it is important to take lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than the recommended dose or take it more frequently than prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
It is also important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as some medications can interact with lisinopril and increase the risk of an overdose.
lisinopril drug uses for long term purpose
Lisinopril is a medication that is commonly used for long-term management of several conditions, including:
- High blood pressure: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps relax blood vessels, which can help reduce high blood pressure over the long-term.
- Heart failure: Lisinopril can help reduce the workload on the heart and improve symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and swelling of the legs.
- Heart attack: Lisinopril can help improve survival and reduce the risk of future heart attacks after a heart attack.
- Diabetic kidney disease: Lisinopril can help slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease by reducing the amount of protein in the urine.
- Preventing migraines: Lisinopril has been used off-label to help prevent migraines, although its effectiveness for this purpose is still being studied.
It is important to note that lisinopril is not a cure for any of these conditions, but is used for long-term management to help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. It is important to take lisinopril as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to continue to monitor your blood pressure, kidney function, and other health markers to ensure the medication is working effectively.
Common questions about lisinopril
Here are some common questions and answers about lisinopril:
What is lisinopril used for?
Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It can also be used to treat diabetic kidney disease and to prevent migraines.
How does lisinopril work?
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that works by relaxing blood vessels, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow.
What are the common side effects of lisinopril?
Common side effects of lisinopril can include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dry cough, and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) or liver problems.
Can I drink alcohol while taking lisinopril?
Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of lisinopril, so it is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Can I take other medications with lisinopril?
Lisinopril can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements. In particular, lisinopril should not be taken with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics.
How long does it take for lisinopril to work?
It can take several weeks for lisinopril to reach its full effect, so it is important to continue taking it as prescribed by your healthcare provider even if you do not notice immediate improvement in your symptoms.
Is lisinopril safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Lisinopril should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the developing fetus. It is also not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.
The Bottom Line
Lisinopril is a medication that is commonly used to manage high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It is an ACE inhibitor that works by relaxing blood vessels, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow. It is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects such as dizziness, light headedness, headache, dry cough, and fatigue. It can also interact with other medications and should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions. It is important to take lisinopril as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to monitor blood pressure and other health markers regularly. If you have any questions or concerns about lisinopril, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
