Introduction
Lisinopril is a prescribed medicine which is available in brand names such as Prinivil, Zestril, Qbraelis. It belongs to the drug class, ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors).
Lisinopril (Zestril) is a prescription medication, so you’ll need to consult a doctor before purchasing. Some companies have healthcare professionals on their team who can assess you before your purchase.
Online pharmacies can sell counterfeit medications, so it’s essential to do your research before buying from any retailer.
In 2014, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that 97 percent of Trusted Source of the internet pharmacies it examined were not compliant with federal laws, state laws, or industry standards.
It’s a good practice to stay away from international websites, as each country has its governance in manufacturing. Stick to reputable sites and pharmacies you can trust.
Lisinopril is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by blocking substances in your body that cause tightening of blood vessels.it relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. (Lancaster, S.G. and Todd, P.A., 1988.)
Precaution
Lisinopril can cause severe allergic reactions such as trouble in breathing, throat or tongue swelling and hives. Do not take this drug if you had an allergic reaction to the drug in the past.
People having kidney diseases, or are on dialysis should not take this drug. Be sure that your doctor is notified about your medical history. There is a higher risk of severe side effects from this drug.
Lisinopril can affect the blood sugar levels in your body, people having diabetes should take care of this.
For older adults Lisinopril may process more slowly. A normal adult dosage can cause higher levels of drug than normal in an older adult’s body. Older people should lower the dosage or have a different schedule. (Kumar, A., Asim, M. and Davison, A.M., 1998)
Forms and strengths of Lisinopril
Generic and brands both come in oral tablets form of Lisinopril. Strengths of theme are as follows.
Generic: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg.
Brand Prinivil: 5mg, 40mg.
Brand Zestril: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg.
Dosage of Lisinopril
For high blood pressure (hypertension) the dosage is 10mg oral tablet once per day and can be increased to 20mg to 40mg per day for adults between 18 to 64 years of age.
The maximum dosage is 80mg per day.
For childrens between 6 to 17 years of age it should be 0.07mg per kg of the child’s body weight per day or upto 5mg per day.maximum dosage should be 0.61mg per kg or 40mg per day.
For heart failures maximum dosage is 40mg per day for adults between 18 to 64 years of age.for heart attack (Acute myocardial infarctions) 5mg within the first 24 hours when the symptoms are occured and another 5mg after another 24 hours.
How Should You Take Lisinopril?
You can swallow the whole tablet of Lisinopril with drinking water. You can have it with or without food. you need to take it the same way and at the same time every day. Avoid having food which is rich in calcium, sodium and magnesium.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Whenever you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember about it. If you do not remember it for the whole day then you can skip the dose and continue from the next one. Do not double dose to make up for the missed one. Setting an alarm would help you not to miss a dose.
Side Effects of Lisinopril
- Kidney problems: swelling in your ankles or feet, less or no urine passing, shortness of breath or feeling tired.
- Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, clay coloured stool, dark urine, jaundice, nausea, itching.
- High potassium: irregular heartbeats, tingly feeling, weakness, loss of movement, chest pain.
- Fever, sore throat, light headed feeling.
Drug Interactions of Lisinopril
Lisinopril interacts with various drugs and class of drugs such as follows:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory)- Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Aspirin, Meloxicam, Indomethacin and others.
- Drugs that prevent organ transplant rejection- Temsirolimus, Sirolimus, Everolimus, Tacrolimus, Everolimus.
- A potassium supplement.
- Insulin or oral diabetes medicine.
- A diuretic or “water pill”.
Some Essential Information You Should Know About Lisinopril
Lisinopril should be taken around the same time everyday, and you can also crush or cut tablets. Keep it from 15 degree celsius to 30 degree celsius. Make sure it is away from areas where it can get wet and store away from damp locations and moisture.
Lisinopril is a prescribed medicine and you will need a prescription for refill also. Always carry it with you while travelling and no need to worry about airport X-ray, it won’t harm your medicine. Carry your prescription while travelling. And don’t leave your medicine in your car, hot or freezing weather would harm it.
Lisinopril During Pregnancy
You should not take Lisinopril if you are pregnant, it can harm the infant and foetus. Make sure your doctor is informed about your pregnancy or if you are planning a pregnancy.
Lisinopril can affect infants’ kidneys if it’s taken in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can surely result in long term damage to kidneys and also leads to poor development of unborn lungs.
If you are already pregnant, strictly do not take Lisinopril. If you get to know that you are pregnant while being on Lisinopril, immediately stop and consult your doctor.
Lisinopril During Breastfeeding
It’s not yet known how much Lisinopril is transferred through breast milk, but it’s most likely to be a small amount. Side effects in babies are not seen but Lisinopril is not prescribed in pregnancy so there are chances of side effects. Should avoid Lisinopril if you are lactating.
Addiction
Lisinopril is a medication that cannot cross the blood-brain barriers and it is also incapable of acting on Central Nervous System.so it cannot be abusive or addictive.
Overdose
If you have overtaken Lisinopril call your nearest poison helpline. Overdose of Lisinopril can cause symptoms like stomach or abdominal pain, nausea, shortness of breath, weakness in the legs, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, irregular heartbeats, vomiting and confusion.
Conclusion
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor which is prescribed for high blood pressure and hypertension. People having diabetes, kidney and liver diseases should take the necessary precautions. Taking Lisinopril in pregnancy is very dangerous, you should not take it and if you have already taken it seek medical help.
Although it is not proven that Lisinopril is passed through breast milk but you avoiding it would be better. Addiction or drug abuse is not possible but overdose can be dangerous.
