What is Lisinopril?Lisinopril is a drug that belongs to a class of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Lisinopril helps blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure fall. Lisinopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure and improve survival after a heart attack. It may be also used for other purposes.
Side Effects of LisinoprilCardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects include hypotension, angioneurotic edema, angina pectoris, orthostatic hypotension, and palpitations. In some studies, patients treated with lisinopril have reported heart pounding and pain in the chest.
RenalRenal side effects include renal insufficiency and proteinuria. Patients suffering from renal artery stenosis should not be treated with lisinopirl.
Nervous SystemNervous system side effects involve dizziness, headache and paresthesias.
RespiratoryRespiratory side effects are related to dry cough. Cough is more frequent in women and black patients.
MetabolicMetabolic side effects include increased level of serum potassium because of reduction in concentration of serum aldosterone. Hypoglycemia has been seen in diabetics treated with ACE inhibitors due to interaction with insulin.
GastrointestinalGastrointestinal side effects include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases constipation and changes in taste may occur. Lisinopril may also lead to acute pancreatitis.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects are not often experienced. In rare instances, patients treated with lisinopril may experience rash, hair loss, erythema, cutaneous pseudolymphoma and pruritus.
HematologicHematologic side effects of lisinopril, such as neutropenia and fatal aplastic anemia are not frequent.
PsychiatricPsychiatric side effects include memory impairment, confusion, irritability, sleepiness and nervousness, bur they rarely occur. ACE inhibitors change metabolism of enkephalins and alter cholinergic activity.
HepaticHepatic side effects that are connected to ACE inhibitors include rare syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice and develop to fulminant hepatic necrosis and even death.
Endocrine
Endocrine side effects sometimes include abnormal secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
Other
Other side effects include olfactory disturbance.
PrecautionsWomen who are pregnant or planning to conceive shouldn’t take lisinopril. This drug may cause birth defects in the baby. If a woman becomes pregnant during the treatment, lisinopril must be discontinued.
Use of alcohol may increase lisinopril side effects and further lower blood pressure. Potassium supplements and salt substitutes should not be used while taking lisinopril.
When taking Lisinopril, drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration may occur due to vomiting, diarrhea and sweating and this can lead to low blood pressure, kidney failure and electrolyte disorders.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lisinopril or any ACE inhibitor.
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