Lisinopril
Lisinopril helps people with hypertension. It's a safe, effective, and non-addictive high blood pressure medicaiton.
Caution Still Recommended
Low Abuse Potential
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Uses
What Is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a medication classified as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure, and it can also be used to improve survival after a heart attack. By inhibiting the enzyme that produces angiotensin II, lisinopril helps to reduce the narrowing of blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
What Is Lisinopril Used For?
Lisinopril is primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It is also prescribed to improve survival rates in patients who have suffered a heart attack. By lowering blood pressure, lisinopril helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Additionally, it is sometimes used in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease, as it can help to protect the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes.
Lisinopril Brand Names
Prinivil
Zestril
Qbrelis
Lisinopril Side Effects
Lisinopril can cause a range of common and serious side effects. While many people taking this medication may not experience serious issues, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
Common Side Effects
Cough
Dizziness
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Diarrhea
Severe Side Effects
Swelling of the face, lips, or throat (angioedema)
Severe abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
Kidney problems
Liver issues
If you experience any of these severe side effects, contact your doctor right away to ensure your safety.
Does Lisinopril Cause Weight Gain?
Lisinopril is not commonly associated with weight gain, and most patients don’t experience significant changes in weight while taking this medication. However, if you notice unusual weight changes, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions or other contributing factors.
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Warnings
Pregnancy Warning
Lisinopril should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop using it immediately and inform your doctor.
History of Angioedema
Avoid using lisinopril if you have a history of angioedema. Additionally, do not take lisinopril within 36 hours before or after taking any medication that contains sacubitril, such as Entresto.
Diabetes and Aliskiren
If you have diabetes, do not use lisinopril in combination with any medication that contains aliskiren, such as Amturnide, Tekturna, or Tekamlo.
Kidney Disease and Aliskiren
Patients with kidney disease may also need to avoid taking lisinopril together with aliskiren. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Before Taking
Allergies and ACE Inhibitors
Do not use lisinopril if you are allergic to it or any other ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, benazepril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
Sacubitril Interaction
Avoid taking lisinopril within 36 hours before or after using any medication that contains sacubitril, such as Entresto.
Diabetes and Aliskiren
If you have diabetes, do not combine lisinopril with any medication containing aliskiren, a blood pressure medicine.
History of Angioedema
Lisinopril should not be taken if you have a history of angioedema, a severe allergic reaction.
Medical History
To ensure lisinopril is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had:
Heart disease or recent heart attack
Low blood pressure
Low white blood cell count
Stomach pain
A low-salt diet
Diabetes
Liver disease
Kidney disease or if you are on dialysis
Pregnancy Warning
Stop using lisinopril immediately and contact your doctor if you become pregnant. Using lisinopril during the second or third trimester can cause injury or death to the unborn baby.
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Dosages
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any changes to lisinopril use or dosage to ensure safe and responsible use.
Hypertension in Adults
For adults with hypertension, the initial dose typically starts at 10 mg taken orally once a day, or 5 mg if the patient is also on a diuretic. The maintenance dose usually ranges from 20 to 40 mg daily, with a maximum dose of 80 mg per day, although higher doses do not necessarily enhance effectiveness. If blood pressure control is insufficient with lisinopril alone, a low dose of a diuretic, such as 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, may be added, potentially allowing for a reduction in the lisinopril dose.
Congestive Heart Failure in Adults
For treating congestive heart failure, the initial dose is generally between 2.5 to 5 mg taken orally once a day. The dosage should be increased as tolerated, with a maximum dose of 40 mg per day. Adjustments to the diuretic dose may be necessary to minimize the risk of hypovolemia and subsequent hypotension. Initial hypotension does not rule out the possibility of careful dose titration.
Myocardial Infarction in Adults
Following an acute myocardial infarction, the initial dose is 5 mg taken orally within 24 hours of the onset. This is followed by another 5 mg dose after 24 hours, and then 10 mg after 48 hours. The maintenance dose is 10 mg once daily for at least six weeks. For patients with low systolic blood pressure (≤120 mm Hg but >100 mm Hg) during the first three days post-infarct, therapy should start at 2.5 mg. If prolonged hypotension occurs (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg for more than an hour), the therapy should be discontinued.
Diabetic Nephropathy in Adults
Although not an approved indication, the initial dose for diabetic nephropathy is typically 10 to 20 mg taken orally once a day. The maintenance dose ranges from 20 to 40 mg daily, with dosage adjustments made every three days as needed.
Hypertension in Geriatric Patients
For older adults with hypertension, the initial dose is usually 2.5 to 5 mg taken orally once a day. The dosage can be increased by 2.5 to 5 mg per day at intervals of one to two weeks, with a maximum dose of 40 mg daily.
Hypertension in Pediatric Patients
For children aged six years and older, the initial dose is 0.07 mg/kg taken orally once a day, with a maximum initial dose of 5 mg daily. The maintenance dose should be adjusted based on the blood pressure response, with intervals of one to two weeks. Doses above 0.61 mg/kg or greater than 40 mg have not been studied in pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended for children under six years old or those with a glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min.
Max Dose
The maximum recommended dose of lisinopril for treating hypertension is 80 mg per day, although doses above 40 mg typically do not provide additional blood pressure-lowering benefits. For heart failure, the maximum dose is generally 40 mg per day. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and not exceed the prescribed dosage to avoid potential side effects and complications.
How Long Does It Take for Lisinopril to Work?
Lisinopril begins to lower blood pressure within an hour of taking a dose, with peak effects occurring around six hours after administration. However, it may take two to four weeks of consistent daily use to achieve the full therapeutic benefits and reach the target blood pressure range. It’s important to take lisinopril as prescribed, even if you don’t feel immediate changes, to ensure effective long-term management of hypertension.
Interactions
Lisinopril and Alcohol
Combining lisinopril with alcohol can lead to several adverse effects:
Increased Blood Pressure Lowering: Both lisinopril and alcohol lower blood pressure. When taken together, they can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Enhanced Side Effects: Alcohol can amplify the side effects of lisinopril, such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, which can further strain the kidneys and reduce the effectiveness of lisinopril.
For these reasons, it’s advisable to avoid alcohol while taking lisinopril. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific health needs.
Foods to Avoid
While taking lisinopril, it’s important to be mindful of certain foods that can interfere with its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects:
High-Potassium Foods: Lisinopril can increase potassium levels in the blood. Avoid foods high in potassium such as bananas, oranges, and leafy green vegetables to prevent hyperkalemia.
Salt Substitutes: Many salt substitutes contain potassium. Using these can lead to dangerously high potassium levels when combined with lisinopril.
Medications to Avoid
Lisinopril can interact with various medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. Here are some key medications to avoid or use with caution:
Diuretics: Also known as water pills, diuretics can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems when taken with lisinopril.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce the effectiveness of lisinopril and increase the risk of kidney damage.
Potassium Supplements: Taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics with lisinopril can lead to hyperkalemia.
Lithium: Lisinopril can increase lithium levels in the blood, leading to lithium toxicity.
Other Blood Pressure Medications: Combining lisinopril with other antihypertensive drugs can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure.
Herbal Supplements
Certain herbal supplements can also interact with lisinopril:
St. John’s Wort: This supplement can reduce the effectiveness of lisinopril.
Goldenseal: May increase the risk of side effects when taken with lisinopril.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or medication regimen while taking lisinopril. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs.
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Overdose Potential
An overdose of lisinopril can be serious, and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a lisinopril overdose may include:
Severe Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A significant drop in blood pressure can cause extreme dizziness or fainting.
Rapid or Slow Heartbeat: Irregular heartbeats, whether too fast or too slow, can occur.
Severe Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness or weakness may be a sign of an overdose.
Kidney Failure: Symptoms such as reduced urine output or swelling in the legs and ankles can indicate kidney issues.
Shock: In severe cases, an overdose can lead to shock, characterized by confusion, clammy skin, and loss of consciousness.
What to Do in Case of an Overdose
If you suspect a lisinopril overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately. Contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room. Provide healthcare professionals with as much information as possible, including the amount of lisinopril taken and the time of ingestion.
Preventing an Overdose
To prevent a lisinopril overdose, follow these guidelines:
Adhere to Prescribed Dosage: Always take lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Use a Medication Schedule: Keep a consistent schedule for taking your medication to avoid accidental double dosing.
Store Medication Safely: Keep lisinopril out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Consult Your Doctor: Before making any changes to your dosage or if you miss a dose, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Understanding the overdose potential of lisinopril and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure safe and effective use of the medication. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.
Addiction Treatment
Is Lisinopril Addictive?
Lisinopril isn’t considered addictive because it does not influence the central nervous system or produce the euphoric effects commonly linked with addictive substances. Unlike substances that can cause physical or psychological dependence, lisinopril does not have the potential for abuse or addiction since it does not induce a high or alter mood.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Lisinopril is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. By lowering blood pressure, it helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
Lisinopril works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in the production of a substance that tightens blood vessels. By blocking this enzyme, lisinopril helps to relax and widen blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
No, lisinopril is not a beta blocker. It is an ACE inhibitor, which works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Beta blockers, on the other hand, reduce blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the force of the heart’s contractions.
While most side effects of lisinopril are mild and temporary, some long-term side effects can occur, such as kidney problems, high potassium levels, and persistent cough. Serious side effects are rare but can include liver problems and severe allergic reactions. It’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor for any potential issues.
A 20mg dose of lisinopril is considered a standard maintenance dose for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. The typical dosage range is between 20mg and 40mg per day, although some patients may require adjustments based on their individual response and medical condition.
You should not take an extra dose of lisinopril if your blood pressure is high without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking an additional dose can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and other complications. It’s important to follow your prescribed dosage and speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your blood pressure.
Losartan and lisinopril are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different classes. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), while lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. Both drugs work to relax blood vessels, but they do so through different mechanisms. Losartan may be preferred for patients who experience a persistent cough with lisinopril, a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. Both medications are effective, and the choice between them depends on individual patient needs and tolerability.