Drug Name

Lisinopril

Drug Uses

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure alone or with other medicines. It is also used to treat heart failure.

How it is taken

Lisinopril can be taken by mouth with or without food. It must be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Take it at the same time each day for the entire duration of the treatment. Avoid taking an antacid since it reduces the absorbtion of the drug. Do not stop taking it without contacting your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that widens blood vessels and alleviates blood pressure in the body.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Lisinopril then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Lisinopril may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Maintain caution when getting up or sitting up from a lying position.

You must not take Lisinopril if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Lisinopril and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs (diuretics and potassium supplements) can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether Lisinopril is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with lisinopril. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are abdominal/stomach pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, unusual tiredness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions allergic reaction including feelings of swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and hives, reduction in the number of WBC in the blood, nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion and sexual dysfunction, difficulty breathing, little or no urine, an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness or fainting; or signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.