Lisinopril
Information about Lisinopril
Lisinopril uses
Lisinopril is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), prevention of heart attack and stroke and Heart failure.
How lisinopril works
Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by reducing stress on the heart and relaxing blood vessel so that blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Common side effects of lisinopril
Cough, Dizziness, Increased potassium level in blood, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Blurred vision, Chest pain, Headache, Muscle cramp, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Liver dysfunction, Anaphylactic reaction, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood)
Available Medicine for Lisinopril
Expert advice for Lisinopril
- Lisinopril can make you feel dizzy for the first few days, so rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. You can also prefer taking it at bedtime to avoid dizziness throughout the day.
- Let your doctor know about any cough, or throat irritation that does not go away.
- It may increase the level of potassium in blood. Avoid taking potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods such as banana and broccoli.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Lisinopril
Lisinopril
Q. What is Lisinopril? What is it used for?
Lisinopril belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It relaxes and widens the blood vessels, making it easier for the blood to pass through the vessels. As a result of this, the heart does not have to work more to push the blood. Since the workload on the heart is reduced, it helps to lower the blood pressure and thus reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Lisinopril?
Before taking Lisinopril you must tell your doctor if you are allergic to Lisinopril or any of its ingredients. You must tell the doctor if you have any problems related to heart, liver, kidneys (if you are on dialysis) or blood, such as a low white blood cell count (neutropenia or agranulocytosis). Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, irregular blood pressure or if you have recently had diarrhea or vomiting. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking Lisinopril if you are planning to conceive, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid any harmful effects on the baby.
Q. After starting Lisinopril, I have developed dry cough which is very irritating and is not getting better with any medicine. What should I do now?
Lisinopril may cause dry cough, as a side effect in some people. This can be persistent and may not be relieved by any medicine. Talk to your doctor if it bothers you or if you have trouble sleeping. Your doctor may suggest ways of managing the cough or may prescribe another medicine. Remember, do not stop taking Lisinopril without consulting your doctor as it may increase your blood pressure and put you at a risk of developing a heart attack or stroke. Even if you stop taking Lisinopril, the cough may take a few days to a month to resolve completely.