Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
Lisinopril is also used to treat congestive heart failure in adults, or to improve survival after a heart attack.
Warnings
Do not use lisinopril if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take lisinopril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).
If you have diabetes, do not use lisinopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).
You may also need to avoid taking lisinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use lisinopril if you are allergic to it, or if you:
-
have a history of angioedema;
-
recently took a heart medicine called sacubitril; or
-
are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
Do not take lisinopril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).
If you have diabetes, do not use lisinopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Tekturna or Tekamlo).
You may also need to avoid taking lisinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure lisinopril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
-
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
-
liver disease; or
-
high levels of potassium in your blood.
Do not use lisinopril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away. This medicine can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking lisinopril.
It is not known whether lisinopril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using lisinopril.
How should I take lisinopril?
Take lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medicine.
Lisinopril can be taken with or without food.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function and electrolytes may also need to be checked.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking lisinopril.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using lisinopril.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of lisinopril.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Lisinopril can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while taking this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Lisinopril side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to lisinopril: hives; severe stomach pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction if you are African-American.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
-
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
-
fever, sore throat;
-
high potassium - nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
-
kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
-
liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common lisinopril side effects may include:
-
headache, dizziness;
-
cough; or
-
chest pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
-
a diuretic or "water pill";
-
lithium;
-
gold injections to treat arthritis;
-
insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
-
a potassium supplement;
-
medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection - everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus; or
-
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.