Lisinopril

Uses of Lisinopril

Lisinopril helps manage high blood pressure in adults and children aged six and older, either on its own or in combination with other drugs. Additionally, in adults, it treats congestive heart failure and improves survival after a heart attack.

Belonging to the class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Lisinopril works by reducing specific chemicals that constrict blood vessels. This action enhances smoother blood flow and allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently.

Precautions and Warnings

Avoid Lisinopril if you have a history of allergic reactions to it or other ACE inhibitors like captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, benazepril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.

To ensure that Lisinopril is safe to use, inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of the following:

• Heart disease
• Low blood pressure
• Low white blood cell count
• Diabetes
• Liver or kidney disease

Do not use Lisinopril during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby.

Dosage

For hypertension:

• Take 10 mg orally once a day. The maximum daily dose is 80 mg.

For congestive heart failure:

• Take 2.5 to 5 mg of lisinopril once a day. The maximum dose is 40 mg.

For myocardial infarction (heart attack):

• Take 5 mg orally within 24 hours of the onset of acute myocardial infarction.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite