This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Lisinopril is a drug of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor class that is primarily used in treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, heart attacks and also in preventing renal and retinal complications of diabetes.

How to Take

High Blood Pressure: For people not on water pills (diuretics), the initial starting dose for adults is usually 10 milligrams, taken 1 time a day. Your doctor will increase the dosage until your blood pressure is under control. The long-term dosage usually ranges from 20 to 40 milligrams a day, taken in a single dose.

Diuretic use should, if possible, be stopped before using Lisinopril. If not, your physician may give an initial dose of 5 milligrams under supervision before any further medication is prescribed. People with kidney disorders must be carefully monitored, and dosages will be adjusted to the individual's needs, depending on kidney function.

Heart Failure: For this condition, Lisinopril is usually prescribed along with diuretics and digitalis. The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day, with the first dose taken under your doctor's supervision. The doctor may increase the dose by up to 10 milligrams at intervals of no less than 2 weeks. Typical long-term dosages range from 5 to 40 milligrams taken once a day.

Heart Attack: The usual dose is 5 milligrams within the first 24 hours after a heart attack, then 5 milligrams 24 hours later, 10 milligrams 48 hours later, and, finally, 10 milligrams once a day for 6 weeks. If low blood pressure is a problem, the doctor may recommend a lower dosage.

Warning and Precautions

If you develop a sore throat, fever, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, arms or legs; or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may have a serious side effect of the drug and need emergency treatment.

If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor.

If you have congestive heart failure or other heart problems, a kidney disorder, or a connective tissue disease such as lupus, you should use Lisinopril with caution. Your doctor may perform periodic blood tests while you are taking Lisinopril.

If you are taking Lisinopril, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done and kidney function should continue to be monitored. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE inhibitor medications such as Lisinopril.

If you are taking high doses of a diuretic (water pill) and Lisinopril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. This problem is also more likely if you are being treated for heart failure.

Lisinopril may cause some people to become dizzy, light-headed, or faint, especially if they have heart failure or are taking a water pill at the same time. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain Lisinopril does not have this effect on you.

If you develop chest pain, sore throat, fever and chills, contact your doctor for medical attention. It could indicate a more serious condition.

If your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. Limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods to consume.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water and cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; weakness.

Storage

Store Lisinopril at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lisinopril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects of Lisinopril may include: chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Lisinopril. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.