Lisinopril

Lisinopril belongs to a group of medicines referred to as ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure as well as heart failure. They can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with a diuretic (water tablet). The name ACE inhibitor derives from the medicine’s mechanism of action.

ACE inhibitors act on particular receptors in your body and prevent a hormone called angiotensin from being converted into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II narrows your blood vessels and causes hypertension. Blocking the creation of angiotensin II dilates your blood vessels, lowers your blood pressure levels and improves your blood flow.

Lisinopril tablets should be taken at the same time every day. Swallow each tablet whole with a drink of water. The usual starting dose for Lisinopril is 10mg per day. If you tolerate the medicine well, your GP may prescribe Lisinopril 20mg tablets or increase your dosage to a maximum of 80mg. The dosage you require depends on how effective the treatment is and how well your blood pressure is controlled. Please note, product packaging may differ from the image above.

If you suffer from impaired kidney function your GP will prescribe a dosage no higher than 40mg.

Who can not take Lisinopril tablets?

You cannot take Lisinopril if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or any other ACE inhibitor. You may also be unable to take Lisinopril if you have a family history of allergic reactions to other substances. The ACE inhibitor is not recommended for use in pregnant women, and it cannot be taken after the first three months of pregnancy. Speak to your doctor before you start breastfeeding. Lisinopril should not be taken while breastfeeding, as it can harm your baby.

If you take lisinopril for a long period of time, your GP might check your kidney function and your blood levels of potassium from time to time. This may involve urine and blood tests.

Can I drive while taking Lisinopril?

You can continue driving and operating machinery while taking Lisinopril tablets, provided you do not experience the side effect of dizziness. Do not drive or work with machinery if Lisinopril causes you to feel dizzy, tired or confused.

Speak to your doctor before taking Lisinopril if you:

• are dehydrated (this may be the case if you are suffering from diarrhoea or experience dehydration as a side effect of other medication you are taking)
• suffer from a heart problem
• have ever had a heart attack
• suffer from low blood pressure
• have impaired kidney function
• have recently had a kidney transplant or are undergoing dialysis
• are receiving a treatment to reduce your allergic reaction to insect bites
• have had surgery on your airways
• have problems with your immune system
• suffer from diabetes
• are Afro-Caribbean

If you accidentally exceed your daily dose of Lisinopril, contact your doctor immediately.

If you have forgotten one dose, just skip the forgotten tablet and continue your treatment with the next dose at the usual time. Don’t take an extra tablet to make up for the one you missed.

Common Lisinopril Side Effects

• feeling dizzy
• dry cough
• low blood pressure
• being sick
• impaired kidney function
• headache

For a full list of side effects read the Lisinopril patient leaflet.

Serious Side Effects

Although Lisinopril is usually tolerated well, it can cause serious side effects in some patients. Stop taking Lisinopril tablets and seek medical help immediately if you experience jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) or receive a blood test result showing an increase in liver enzymes. You must also stop taking Lisinopril if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swellings of the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet. You must also seek medical help immediately should you experience trouble breathing or swallowing.

Before prescribing Lisinopril, your GP will ask you whether you are currently taking any medication or have recently finished a course of medication. It is very important that you inform your GP of all medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and non-prescription medication such as painkillers.

Lisinopril tablets can interact with some medications, including the following:

• diuretics (medicines to make you urinate more/more frequently)
• potassium supplements and other medications which increase your potassium levels
• anaesthetics
• certain antidepressants
• certain anti-inflammatories, including aspirin
• medications used to treat gout
• medicines used to suppress your immune system
• medications used to treat heart rhythm disorders
• certain antipsychotic medicines
• medication used to treat gout
• antidiabetic medication
• certain asthma treatments
• other blood pressure medication
• nitrates, vasodilators and hydralazine