Has your doctor prescribed you a pill called 'Lisinopril' for high blood pressure or heart failure? This medicine is sometimes also given to reduce the damage to the heart after a heart attack. So it is very important to be fully informed about this medicine. Because understanding the medicine you are taking is essential for a healthy life. In this article, we will talk about the things you need to know about Lisinopril in a very simple way.
What is Lisinopril?
Simply put, lisinopril is a medicine that helps control your blood pressure. This works by relaxing the blood vessels in our body. Think of how hard it is for a motor to pump water when a water pipe is clogged. Similarly, when our blood vessels are constricted, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. When these blood vessels are relaxed with lisinopril, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This helps control the pressure and makes it easier for the heart to function. In medicine, these are known as ACE inhibitors .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it. This is very important for your safety.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have diabetes . | Lisinopril can interact with some diabetes medications and can also affect blood sugar levels. |
| If you have kidney disease . | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. A person with kidney problems may need to adjust the dosage of the medicine. |
| If you have previously had angioedema ( a condition in which the face, lips, and tongue suddenly swell, causing difficulty breathing, swallowing, and hoarseness). | Lisinopril can rarely cause this type of severe allergic reaction. People who have had this before are at higher risk. |
| If you have low blood pressure . | Because this medicine can lower blood pressure even further, things like dizziness may increase. |
| If you have other allergies (to lisinopril, other ACE inhibitors, insect stings, foods, dyes). | It is important for the doctor to be aware of your allergy history. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant . | This is very important. Lisinopril can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. So be sure to tell your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother . | You should discuss with your doctor whether or not the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use this medicine?
For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly.
- This pill is to be taken by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. It is best if you can make this a daily habit.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't think you're fine today and then skip it tomorrow. Blood pressure is something that needs to be managed long-term.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
This medicine is for you only. The doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you may be taking may interact with lisinopril. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Be especially careful with the following medications:
- Sacubitril; Do not take lisinopril with the medicine valsartan .
- Other medications for blood pressure (e.g. Angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan or valsartan, Aliskiren).
- Some medications for diabetes.
- Diuretics.
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications - especially those in the group called NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
- Lithium.
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take, as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol .
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Check your blood pressure regularly: Check your blood pressure regularly as directed by your doctor. Find out what your normal blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor if it changes.
- Don't take over-the-counter cough and cold medications: Some painkillers and over-the-counter cough/cold medications can increase your blood pressure. Therefore, ask your doctor before taking any other medication.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: You may feel a little drowsy and dizzy when you first start taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. Especially if you're older, get up slowly. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can make you feel more sleepy and dizzy.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medicines, lisinopril can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.
| Notify your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Symptoms |
| Severe allergic reactions (Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness. |
| Increased potassium levels in the blood | Muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Very low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| It's usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Dry cough | Some people taking this medication may develop a persistent dry cough. Tell your doctor if this is bothersome. |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. |
| Dizziness | Slight dizziness, especially when changing positions. |
Take-Home Message
- Lisinopril is an important medication for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. Take it at the same time every day, as your doctor tells you.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other illnesses you have, especially if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medicine on your own, change the dosage, or share it with someone else.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
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