Lisinopril

Brand Name: Apo-Lisinopril Prinivil Zestril

Prescription Needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Lisinopril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure congestive heart failure and some kidney diseases (e.g. nephropathy). It is also used to decrease the chances of heart attack or stroke in people who are at high risk (e.g. recent heart attack heart disease or angina).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it or similar drugs such as benazepril captopril cilazapril enalapril fosinopril ramipril moexipril perindopril quinapril or trandolapril.

Do not take this medication if you are pregnant have experienced a side effect to lisinopril or lisinopril-like drugs called angioedema or have a kidney condition called bilateral renal artery stenosis. Tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • high levels of potassium in your blood or taking potassium supplements
  • low levels of sodium in your blood or taking "water pills"
  • problems with severe dehydration
  • problems with coughing
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • aortic stenosis

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • dry cough
  • low blood pressure
  • dizziness lightheadedness
  • high levels of potassium in the blood
  • feeling tired
  • loss of or change in taste
  • headache

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • rash and itching
  • diarrhea feeling nauseous or the need to vomit
  • swelling of the face throat tongue lips eyes hands feet ankles or lower legs (angioedema) - call your doctor immediately
  • problems with the kidney
  • rare cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) have been reported - call your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea vomiting stomach pain fatigue loss of appetite dark urine yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • fever sore throat chills and other signs of infection - call your doctor immediately

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • water pills (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide furosemide)
  • potassium supplements spironolactone amiloride trimaterene (increase the chances of having high levels of potassium in the blood)
  • other medications to treat high blood pressure - may increase your chance of experiencing low blood pressure
  • lithium- can increase the amount of lithium in the blood
  • ASA & other anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen voltaren diclofenac) (e.g. ibuprofen naproxen voltaren) - can increase the chance of problems with your kidney and may decrease how well lisinopril can work to lower blood pressure and treat congestive heart failure
  • if you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure - these include some cough and cold medicines; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
  • cyclosporine - may increase the chances of having problems with your kidney

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information

Lab tests: Your doctor will likely send you for tests periodically to check the levels of potassium in your blood and your kidney function.

Special Instructions: Because of the possibility of a sudden drop in blood pressure and dizziness when you first take this drug you may want to take the first dose while sitting or lying down. When you get up do so slowly. To decrease the chances of this happening lisinopril is usually given in small doses at the beginning of treatment and your doctor will gradually increase your dosage.

If you are dehydrated your blood pressure may become too low when taking lisinopril. Be careful and make sure you drink enough water to keep you hydrated especially if you experience severe nausea vomiting or diarrhea; when exercising; or during exposure to hot weather. Symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness occur when your blood pressure is too low.

If you are undergoing surgery be sure to let the doctor know that you are taking this type of medication as it may make you more sensitive to the effects of the anesthetics.

Children: Generally not prescribed however if it is going to be used special dosing is required.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary especially at the onset of therapy.

Pregnant women: Do not take as it can cause birth defects. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally. This drug can cause dizziness and low blood pressure

Alcohol: While taking lisinopril avoid excessive use of alcohol as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure dizziness and fainting.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause dizziness or fainting. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call 911 or have someone do it for you.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping the drug will likely cause your blood pressure to increase or your other symptoms due to congestive heart failure to return.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within 8 hours take the dose now and skip the next. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: In order to help control your blood pressure your doctor may suggest that you reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Avoid salt substitutes as they sometimes contain potassium.