Lisinopril

Lisinopril

High blood pressure affects millions of people all over the world. It can damage your heart, kidneys, brain, blood vessels, and other body parts. If these organs are damaged, it can cause heart disease, heart failure, a heart attack, loss of vision, stroke, kidney failure, and more. Fortunately, there are medications that can help with your high blood pressure and one of the most commonly prescribed ones is Lisinopril. Read on to learn more about it.

What is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril belongs to a group of medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and is used for treating hypertension and heart failure. It widens your blood vessels so that the heart can pump blood easily. Available only on prescription, it is available in tablet form. However, people who cannot swallow tablets can get it in liquid form.

Lisinopril Tablet Uses

Now, let's take a look into the multitude of lisinopril uses:

• Hypertension: By relaxing the narrowed blood vessels, Lisinopril treats hypertension.
• Heart Failure: Lisinopril helps get relief from symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue in people with heart failure by reducing the pressure on the heart.
• Post-Heart Attack: Lisinopril boosts heart performance and protects the heart from further damage after heart attack.
• Diabetic Nephropathy: Lisinopril slows renal disease progression, safeguarding vital kidney function. 

How to Use Lisinopril Tablet

Take the medication at the same time every day with or without food. If you miss a dose of lisinopril, take it as soon as you can. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential while on lisinopril to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function.

Side Effects of Lisinopril Tablet

Lisinopril use, like every other medication, can have side effects. But not everyone has to go through them.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
• Serious Side Effects:
  • High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
  • Kidney problems
  • Allergic reactions
  • Liver problems

If you experience any severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Precautions

Before you take the lisinopril medication, it is important that you know about these precautions:

• Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, specifically any reactions to ACE inhibitors.
• Medical History: All your medical history must be shared with the doctor, especially if you have a family history of kidney disease, are undergoing dialysis, have liver disease, or have high potassium levels.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lisinopril shouldn't be taken by pregnant women as it can harm the unborn baby. Also, if you are taking lisinopril, do not breastfeed as it can pass to your baby through breast milk.
• Alcohol and Smoking: Do not drink alcohol while on lisinopril as it might worsen the side effects like dizziness. Also, smoking can have an impact on your blood pressure. So, you should avoid it.

How Lisinopril Tablet Works

Lisinopril tablet is an ACE inhibitor, meaning that it inhibits the Angiotensin-converting enzyme that produces the angiotensin II, a substance that narrows down the blood vessels. This can result in increased blood pressure. By blocking ACE, your blood vessels are widened, which improves blood flow. Furthermore, it takes off the workload from your heart, helping patients who have had heart failure.

Can I Take Lisinopril with Other Medicines?

Yes, you can take lisinopril with other medications, but depending on what you take it with, there can be an impact on its efficiency and side effects.

Dosing Information

The lisinopril dosage that the doctor prescribes to you is dependent on the condition it is treating:

• Hypertension: The standard dosage of lisinopril for bp is 10 mg every day. Depending on your blood pressure response, the doctor might adjust your dosage. The maintenance dose can be anywhere between the range of 20 mg to 40 mg.
• Heart Failure: In usual cases of heart failure, the doctor will start with 5 mg of lisinopril once every day. Depending on your tolerance and how you respond to the medication, the dose can be adjusted.
• Post-Heart Attack: Within 24 hours after a heart attack, the starting lisinopril dose is 5 mg. Then, depending on your case, the doctor might prescribe a 5 mg dosage after 24 hours and 10 mg after that.

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if the time for the next dose is nearing, skip the missed dose and just take the next one. It is important that you don't double dose.

Conclusion

When it comes to managing heart failure, hypertension, and improving recovery after a heart attack, a few medications are as valuable as lisinopril. Hope this guide has helped you understand how it works, how to use it, the side effects it causes, and the precautions you need to take to get the most out of it. Make sure that you are following the instructions of your healthcare provider and maximizing its benefits.

FAQs

1. What is the drug lisinopril used for?

Your doctor might prescribe lisinopril for a multitude of conditions including heart failure and high blood pressure. In some cases, it is used to improve the survival rate after one has had a heart attack. People who have diabetes can also take this medication to protect their kidneys.

2. Can you take amlodipine and lisinopril together?

Yes, lisinopril and amlodipine can be taken together. In many cases, the doctor might prescribe them both as they work together to offer better blood pressure control.

3. Is lisinopril safe for the heart?

Yes, taking lisinopril isn't damaging to the heart. In fact, it is prescribed to help people with heart conditions. It is capable of improving your blood flow by reducing your heart's workload.

4. Is lisinopril bad for your kidneys?

No, lisinopril is considered to be safe for the kidneys. Many diabetic patients are, in fact, prescribed it to protect their kidneys. However, in some individuals, specifically the ones who have a pre-existing kidney condition, there might be some kidney issues. That is why it is important to always disclose the medications you are taking as well as your diagnosed conditions to your doctor.

5. Can you take lisinopril daily?

Yes, the usual prescribed dosage of lisinopril is once every day. If you want to effectively manage your blood pressure, you must take it consistently.

6. Why take lisinopril at night?

If you take lisinopril at night, your blood pressure will remain controlled while you are sleeping resulting in reduced surges in morning blood pressure. However, you should follow the specific instructions given by your doctor regarding the timing of your dose.