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|Lisinopril Lisinopril

Lisinopril

Generic name: Lisinopril
Brand names: Prinivil, Zestril

Why is Lisinopril prescribed?

Lisinopril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or when combined with other high blood pressure medications. It may also be used with other medications in the treatment of heart failure, and may be given within 24 hours of a heart attack to improve chances of survival.

Lisinopril is a type of drug called an ACE inhibitor. It works by reducing production of a substance that increases salt and water retention in your body.

Most important fact about Lisinopril

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Lisinopril regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Lisinopril; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Lisinopril does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Lisinopril?

Lisinopril can be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed. Stopping Lisinopril suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, with the container sealed and dry. Avoid excessive heat or freezing cold.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lisinopril.

• More common side effects may include:
  Chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure

Why should Lisinopril not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lisinopril or other ACE inhibitors such as Capoten, you should not take Lisinopril. You should also avoid Lisinopril if you suffered angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs) during previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor, or have a tendency to develop the condition for any other reason. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Lisinopril

If you develop a sore throat, fever, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, arms or legs; or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may have a serious side effect of the drug and need emergency treatment.

If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril have been known to cause intestinal swelling.

If you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions, you may have a severe reaction to Lisinopril.

If you have congestive heart failure or other heart problems, a kidney disorder, or a connective tissue disease such as lupus, you should use Lisinopril with caution. Your doctor may perform periodic blood tests while you are taking Lisinopril.

If you are taking Lisinopril, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done and kidney function should continue to be monitored. Lisinopril is used with great caution after a heart attack if the patient also has kidney problems.

This drug also should be used with caution if you are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE inhibitor medications such as Lisinopril.

If you are taking high doses of a diuretic (water pill) and Lisinopril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. This problem is also more likely if you are being treated for heart failure.

Lisinopril may cause some people to become dizzy, light-headed, or faint, especially if they have heart failure or are taking a water pill at the same time. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain Lisinopril does not have this effect on you.

If you develop chest pain, sore throat, fever, and chills, contact your doctor for medical attention. It could indicate a more serious condition.

If your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. Limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods to consume.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water and cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lisinopril

If Lisinopril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lisinopril with any of the following:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate, Eskalith)
Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, and others that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone and Midamor

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If it is taken during the final 6 months of pregnancy, Lisinopril can cause birth defects, prematurity, and death in the fetus and newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking Lisinopril, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. Lisinopril may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Lisinopril is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Lisinopril is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

High Blood Pressure

For people not on water pills (diuretics), the initial starting dose is usually 10 milligrams, taken 1 time a day. Your doctor will increase the dosage until your blood pressure is under control. The long-term dosage usually ranges from 20 to 40 milligrams a day, taken in a single dose.

Diuretic use should, if possible, be stopped before using Lisinopril. If not, your physician may give an initial dose of 5 milligrams under supervision before any further medication is prescribed.

People with kidney disorders must be carefully monitored, and dosages will be adjusted to the individual"s needs, depending on kidney function.

Heart Failure

For this condition, Lisinopril is usually prescribed along with diuretics and digitalis. The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day, with the first dose taken under your doctor"s supervision. The doctor may increase the dose by up to 10 milligrams at intervals of no less than 2 weeks. Typical long-term dosages range from 5 to 40 milligrams taken once a day.

Heart Attack

The usual dose is 5 milligrams within the first 24 hours after a heart attack, then 5 milligrams 24 hours later, 10 milligrams 48 hours later, and, finally, 10 milligrams once a day for 6 weeks. If low blood pressure is a problem, the doctor may recommend a lower dosage.

CHILDREN 6 YEARS OR OLDER

High Blood Pressure

The usual starting dose is 0.07 milligrams per day up to a total of 5 milligrams per day.

Lisinopril is not recommended in children younger than 6 years old or in children with poor kidney function.

OLDER ADULTS

The physician will adjust the dosage carefully, according to the individual"s needs.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

A severe drop in blood pressure is the primary sign of a Lisinopril overdose.