Lisinopril

Lisinopril is a prescription medication that treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, which stands for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. This medication has been available since 1987 and is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications in the United States.

Lisinopril works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily through your body. When blood vessels are more relaxed, your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood. This medication helps lower your blood pressure and reduces strain on your heart. Many people take lisinopril long term to manage their cardiovascular health.

Your doctor will prescribe lisinopril based on your specific medical needs and health history. This medication requires regular monitoring through blood tests to ensure it works safely for you. Taking lisinopril as prescribed can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems caused by high blood pressure.

• High blood pressure, also called hypertension
• Heart failure to improve survival and reduce hospitalizations
• Treatment within 24 hours of a heart attack to improve survival
• Diabetic kidney disease to slow progression of kidney damage
• Chronic kidney disease to protect kidney function

Lisinopril blocks an enzyme in your body that produces a substance called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow and tighten, which raises blood pressure. It also triggers your body to retain salt and water, which increases blood volume and pressure. By blocking this enzyme, lisinopril prevents angiotensin II from forming.

When angiotensin II levels decrease, your blood vessels relax and widen. This widening of blood vessels is called vasodilation. Your blood pressure drops because blood can flow more easily. Your kidneys also release more salt and water, which further reduces blood pressure. These effects begin within an hour of taking lisinopril and last for 24 hours, which is why most people take it once daily.

Typical starting doses range from 2.5 mg to 10 mg taken once daily by mouth. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose every 1 to 2 weeks based on how your body responds. Maintenance doses usually range from 10 mg to 40 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg per day. Your doctor determines the right dose for you based on your blood pressure readings, kidney function, and other health factors. Never adjust your dose without talking to your doctor first.

• Dry cough that does not go away
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Headache
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• High potassium levels

Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away if you experience swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, which may indicate a severe allergic reaction called angioedema. Other serious side effects include severe dizziness, fainting, decreased urination, yellowing of skin or eyes, or signs of high potassium such as muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. If you become pregnant while taking lisinopril, stop the medication and contact your doctor immediately, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.

• Potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium can cause dangerous potassium levels
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce effectiveness and harm kidneys
• Diuretics or water pills may cause excessive blood pressure lowering
• Lithium levels can increase to toxic levels
• Diabetes medications may cause low blood sugar
• Other blood pressure medications can cause blood pressure to drop too low
• Aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes
• Gold injections for arthritis may cause flushing and low blood pressure

Regular blood tests are essential while taking lisinopril to ensure the medication works safely for you. Your doctor will check your potassium levels because lisinopril can cause potassium to build up in your blood. High potassium can affect your heart rhythm and cause serious complications. Your kidney function must also be monitored through creatinine and eGFR tests, which show how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. ACE inhibitors like lisinopril can sometimes affect kidney function, especially when you first start taking them.

Most doctors recommend blood tests before starting lisinopril, then again within 1 to 2 weeks after starting or changing doses. After your dose is stable, you typically need testing every 3 to 6 months. Some people need more frequent monitoring based on their kidney function and other health conditions. Rite Aid offers blood testing services that measure over 200 biomarkers including potassium, creatinine, and eGFR for $349 per year with 2 tests annually. Regular monitoring helps catch problems early and keeps your treatment on track.