Lisinopril Side Effects

Lisinopril may cause uncommon but serious adverse side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

Changes in heart rate or potentially a heart attack or muscle strength due to variations in potassium levels
Allergic reaction to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor resulting in symptoms such as a swelling of the face, throat, tongue, hands, feet or ankles. This can lead to a more severe case of angioedema in which swelling of the dermis occurs and may even become fatal.
Jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and/or skin, darkened urine and a loss of appetite which could be signs of liver problems
Flu-like symptoms including a fever, chills or aches (without nausea or vomiting), coughing, sneezing or a runny nose
Syncope or faintness due to a drop in blood pressure caused by the medication
Decrease in urination or urinary tract infections
Anemia, or a low red blood cell count leading to a decrease in availability of oxygen
Transient ischemic attacks or a "mini stroke"
Women who are pregnant risk injury or even mortality to the fetus
Elderly patients risk an increase in renal dysfunction due to extremely low blood pressure cause by Lisinopril

Common side effects of using Lisinopril can include:

Depression
Dizziness
Stomach aches or diarrhea
Rashes or itchiness
Decrease in sexual aptitude
Weight loss or weight gain

Warnings & Recalls for Lisinopril

In March of 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a Boxed Warning concerning Zestril, a form of Lisinopril as a 'Fetal Toxicity' under Pregnancy Category D. Patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Lisinopril, as this medication may cause injury or death to the fetus. If you are taking Lisinopril and become pregnant you should end your use of this medication immediately to prevent harm to the fetus as it develops.In many cases, hypotension has been reported, often causing chest pain and aches among patients.Although there are serious side effects related to the use of Lisinopril, it continues to be used in other medications for lowering blood pressure such as Prinzide. There are currently no recalls by the FDA on this product.Before taking Lisinopril, let your doctor know if you:

Are pregnant or may become pregnant
Have kidney, liver, or heart disease
Suffer from Marfan Syndrome or diabetes
Are allergic to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Are being treated for arthritis
Drink alcohol frequently
Use salt substitutes or potassium supplements

Lisinopril Treatment and Use

Lisinopril | Zestril, Prinivil is a generic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor tablet marketed as a solution to hypertension. Lisinopril may be used alone or with a combination of other medications, such as in Prinzide along with Hydrochlorothiazide, to lower high blood pressure.

Lisinopril is used to reduce each of the following:

High blood pressure
Mortality among patients after heart attacks
The risk of congestive heart failure
Possibilities of kidney failure due to high blood pressure or diabetes

How Does Lisinopril Work?

Lisinopril works by reducing the amount of angiotensin produced in the bloodstream, allowing blood vessels and arterial muscles to relax and expand. This process creates a more stable blood flow while lowering blood pressure. In cases where a heart may be failing, this method relieves stress from the heart, requiring less effort to pump blood.

Lisinopril Dosage Information

General Administration

Lisinopril should be taken once daily by mouth with a full glass of water, with or without food
For greatest benefits, your doctor may occasionally change the required dosage
Do not take Lisinopril in smaller or larger doses than recommended by your doctor
Check your blood pressure frequently
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible or continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine.

Specific dosage to be administered to each patient varies upon age, medical conditions, and type of usage of Lisinopril such as:

Congestive heart failure in adults
Hypertension in adults
Myocardial infarction in adults
Diabetic nephropathy
Geriatric hypertension
Pediatric hypertension

Other Names for Lisinopril

Brand Name:

Zestril

Generic:

Lisinopril