Lisinopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. It is primarily used in treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks and also in preventing renal and retinal complications of diabetes. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. It is not metabolized by the liver.
Directions
Take Lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take each dose with a full glass of water with or without food. Usual adult dose for hypertension is 10 mg once a day; for congestive heart failure - 5 mg once a day; for myocardial infarction - 5 mg once a day.
Precautions
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Lisinopril. Avoid drinking alcohol, it may increase certain side effects. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using lisinopril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Lisinopril even if you feel well.
Contraindications
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lisinopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome. Do not use Lisinopril if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have hives, stomach pain, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, urinating more or less than usual, chest pain, muscle weakness. Less serious side effects may include: headache, dizziness, cough, nausea, diarrhea, depressed mood, flu symptoms, dry mouth, muscle cramps, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially: potassium supplements, diuretics, lithium, insulin or diabetes medication, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dizziness, light-headed, or fainting.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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