Brand
name: Lisinopril
Pronounced: ZEST-rill
Generic name: Lisinopril
Other brand name: Prinivil
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 LISINOPRIL 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.
Recommended dosage for Lisinopril
ADULTS
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.
Lisinopril side effects
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.
* 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
Lisinopril 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.
