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Common uses
Lisinopril is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Hypertension may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
Lisinopril works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart .
Lisinopril is also used in some patients after a heart attack. After a heart attack, some of the heart muscle is damaged and weakened. The heart muscle may continue to weaken as time goes by. This makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Lisinopril may be started within 24 hours after a heart attack to increase survival rate .
In addition, lisinopril is used to treat congestive heart failure or may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor .
Before using
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lisinopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazopril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Before using lisinopril, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• diabetes; or
• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use lisinopril, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Lisinopril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether lisinopril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Directions
Use Lisinopril as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Lisinopril by mouth with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Lisinopril , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lisinopril .
Cautions
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril. Avoid using other medicines that make you light-headed (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other blood pressure medications.
Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Possible side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;
• chest pain; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
• cough;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach; or
• mild skin itching or rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
If you take too much
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a lisinopril overdose may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.
Additional information
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Lisinopril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of lisinopril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking lisinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Drug interactions
•antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
•gold compounds, often used for arthritis
•hawthorn
•heparin
•lithium
•medicines for diabetes
•medicines for high blood pressure
•monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
•potassium salts
•water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
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