Generic name: lisinopril (lyse IN oh pril)
Brand name: Prinivil, Qbrelis, Zestril
Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Qbrelis is an ACE inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.
Qbrelis is also used to treat congestive heart failure in adults, or to improve survival after a heart attack.
Qbrelis may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use Qbrelis together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
Do not take Qbrelis within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Qbrelis 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 Qbrelis within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).
If you have diabetes, do not use Qbrelis together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking Qbrelis with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
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 if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Qbrelis can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
You should not breastfeed while using Qbrelis.
How should I take Qbrelis?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medicine.
Qbrelis can be taken with or without food.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
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 are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Qbrelis. This can lead to very low blood pressure, a serious electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Qbrelis.
If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine 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 medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Qbrelis?
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. Qbrelis can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Qbrelis side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty 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 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.
What other drugs will affect Qbrelis?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, 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.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Qbrelis, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.