Drug Status in USA : Approved Drug Status in Canada : Approved
pronunciation
pronounced as (lyse in' oh pril)
Why is this medication prescribed?
Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
How should this medicine be used?
Lisinopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take lisinopril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lisinopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of lisinopril and gradually increase your dose.
Lisinopril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take lisinopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lisinopril without talking to your doctor.
What are the precautions to be followed?
Before taking lisinopril,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lisinopril; other ACE inhibitors such as enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); any other medications; or any ingredients in lisinopril tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take lisinopril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Lithobid); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease; diabetes; lupus; scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs); or angioedema (a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs).
tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking lisinopril.
you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.
What are possible side effects of this medication ?
Lisinopril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
cough
dizziness
headache
excessive tiredness
nausea
diarrhea
weakness
sneezing
runny nose
decrease in sexual ability
rash
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
yellowing of the skin or eyes
lightheadedness
fainting
chest pain
Lisinopril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Drug Category/Class
ACE Inhibitors, Plain
Agents Acting on the Renin-Angiotensin System
Cardiovascular System
ACE Inhibitors and Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
Lipid Modifying Agents
Cardiotonic Agents
Antihypertensive Agents
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, plain
ACE inhibitors and diuretics
ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers
HMG CoA red
Prescribed
For the treatment of hypertension and symptomatic congestive heart failure. May be used in conjunction with thrombolytic agents, aspirin and/or &be...