Uses of LISINOPRIL

Lisinopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. It also prevents the onset of signs and symptoms of heart failure (such as difficulty in breathing, swollen ankles and feet or extreme tiredness even after a mild physical activity) and can reduce kidney damage in diabetic patients who have high blood pressure. 

Therapeutic Category

Lisinopril: Antihypertensive agents (Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors)

How LISINOPRIL works

Lisinopril works by blocking the actions of an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), that causes narrowing of blood vessels and increase in blood pressure. As a result, it relaxes the blood vessels and allows blood to flow more smoothly across the blood vessels with less pressure. It also improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart and the kidneys. This reduces strain on the heart and kidneys, improves their functions and prevents the risks of heart failure or kidney damage.

Common side effects of LISINOPRIL

• dizziness, headache
• nausea, diarrhea
• cough
• kidney problems

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience severe skin reactions (such as skin rash with itching and redness, blistering and peeling of skin, skin swelling and inflammation of mucous membrane with severe joint pain and fever)
• If you experience signs of heart attack (such as severe sudden chest pain that might spread to the neck, shoulders, and arms with shortness of breath and sweating)
• If you experience signs of stroke (such as weakness or numbness in one side of the body along with confusion, difficulty in speaking or loss of coordination)
• If you experience signs of kidney failure (such as low urine output, cloudy urine or bloody urine along with lower back pain, nausea, vomiting or swelling in your legs, ankles or feet)
• If you experience signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to the back with vomiting)
• If you experience signs of liver problems (such as yellowing of your skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, tiredness, fever, nausea, stomach pain and weakness)
• If you experience signs of a low immunity (frequent incidence of infections resulting in fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers)
• If you experience increased bleeding or bruising, pale skin and tiredness

Health Tips for LISINOPRIL

• Adopt a healthy, balanced diet that is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products while being low in sodium (salt). This diet has been referred to as the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. Reduce your consumption of fast food, processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated and trans fats
• Drink in moderation; too much alcohol might cause blood pressure to rise. Men should limit their daily alcohol intake to two standard drinks, while women should limit their daily alcohol intake to one standard drink
• Quitting smoking is one of the most significant measures you can take to enhance your cardiovascular health if you are a smoker. Smoking can cause high blood pressure and blood vessel damage
• High blood pressure can be exacerbated by ongoing stress. Include stress-reduction practises in your everyday routine, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and participating in activities you enjoy. Find appropriate coping mechanisms for stress and, if necessary, get help
• Make routine follow-up consultations with your doctor to check on your general health and blood pressure