Lisinopril is used for the treatment of high blood pressure or also known as hypertension. This type of condition increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. Hypertension is called a ‘silent killer’. Most people with high blood pressure have no signs and symptoms even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. A few people with this condition may have headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath. This medication helps lower your blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
This prescription may also be used to treat heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, and to improve survival after a heart attack.
Heart failure is characterized by the heart’s inability to pump enough supply of blood to the body. Without sufficient blood flow, all major body functions are disrupted. This type of condition can be ongoing or may start suddenly. Some signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Shortness of breath when you exert yourself or when you lie down
Diabetic nephropathy is also known as diabetic kidney disease. This affects your kidney’s ability to do its usual work of removing waste products and extra fluid from your body. Over many years, diabetic nephropathy slowly damages your kidney’s delicate filtering system. Early treatment may slow or prevent the progress of the disease and may lessen the chance of complications.
Lisinopril is in the class of medications called ACE inhibitors. This relaxes blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This also reduces stress on your heart and lowers your blood pressure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription. Lisinopril comes as a tablet for oral use. Each tablet contains Lisinopril as an active ingredient. This product is available in the dosage forms of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
How does Lisinopril work?
Lisinopril works by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Usually, ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II as part of the body’s natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow which increases the blood pressure. By blocking the action of ACE, this medication decreases the production of angiotensin II which allows the blood vessels to widen and relax. Therefore, the effect is to lower blood pressure.
In the treatment of heart failure, this drug is usually used in combination with a diuretic medicine. When the pressure in the blood vessels is decreased, it makes it easier for the heart to pump the blood around the body. This means that this product can be used to improve the symptoms of heart failure and to improve survival following a heart attack.
In diabetic nephropathy, this can lessen the loss of protein through the kidneys. It helps to protect the kidneys and slow down the progression of the disease. Lisinopril can be used to treat Lisinopril because it lowers high blood pressure which can also damage the kidneys.
How to use Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is usually taken once a day as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may give you a low starting dose and slowly increase it. The recommended dosage will depend on your medical condition and response to the treatment. You may take each dose with or without food. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not break or chew the tablet. Swallow it as a whole. Take the right dose, not more or less. Don’t forget to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. For the best benefit from this product, take it regularly. You should not suddenly stop taking this medication without the consent of your doctor. It may cause another complication or may worsen your current condition.
Drink plenty of fluids while having this medication. Doing so may lessen the risk of certain side effects. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
What are the side effects of Lisinopril?
- Headache
- Cough
- Depressed mood
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Mild itching or skin rash
- Diarrhea
Call your doctor right away if these occur:
- Little or no urination
- A light-headed feeling
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Kidney problems (swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath)
- High potassium (weakness, nausea, tingly feeling, loss of movement, or chest pain)
- Liver problems (upper stomach pain, tired feeling, dark urine, nausea, or clay-colored stools)
Warnings and Precautions
- Before using Lisinopril, tell your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to it. Tell as well if you have any allergies.
- Inform your doctor if you have any medical history especially of a high level of potassium in the blood or blood filtering.
- Do not drive or perform any activity that needs your alertness. This drug can make you dizzy.
- While having Lisinopril, limit alcoholic beverages. Although alcohol does not directly affect the medicine itself, drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of Lisinopril.
- This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements, consult your doctor first.
- If you feel dizzy, you should lie down until the symptoms pass. Try getting up slowly if you find you feel dizzy when you stand up. If you frequently feel dizzy, let your doctor know as you may need to lessen.
- This is not recommended for use in pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding women, consult your doctor first.
- Do not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Keep this at room temperature far from moisture and heat.
