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What is Lisinopril Mainly Used For?

Key Takeaways

  • Lisinopril is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
  • It is also used to treat heart failure and reduces the risk of death after a heart attack.
  • Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce how hard your heart has to work.
  • The blood pressure medicine helps prevent serious complications like stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
  • Lisinopril is available in multiple dosage forms including tablets (2.5-40mg) and oral solution (1mg/mL).

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects over a billion people and is one of the main causes of death worldwide. One common medication used to treat hypertension is lisinopril.

Lisinopril belongs to a drug class called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). The medicine does more than just lower your blood pressure, though.

Here’s how lisinopril works and what else it’s used for.

Primary uses of lisinopril

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

The most common reason people take lisinopril is to treat high blood pressure. It is approved for use in both adults and children 6 years and older. It is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a hormone that squeezes your blood vessels.

By lowering your blood pressure, this also helps prevent serious complications including stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.

Lisinopril is a common first-line treatment because it’s generally well-tolerated and can be used alone or combined with other medications like diuretics.

Congestive Heart Failure

Lisinopril can be helpful in treating congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively throughout the body. By reducing the workload on the heart, this medication helps improve blood flow and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention while improving exercise tolerance and quality of life for patients.

Reduce the Risk of Death After a Heart Attack

Following an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), lisinopril can improve survival rates and prevent future cardiac events. Treatment with lisinopril typically starts within 24 hours after a heart attack to get the full benefits of this medication.

Studies show that early use of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril after heart attacks can reduce the relative risk of death by 7-21%. This benefit is increased in high-risk patients who have left ventricular dysfunction or signs of heart failure.

Kidney Protection in Diabetic Patients

While it is an FDA-approved indication, lisinopril is commonly used to prevent diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. It helps reduce protein in the urine (a sign of kidney damage) and may slow the progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes.

How Lisinopril Works

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It binds to and inhibits the ACE enzyme (protein), preventing it from converting angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II typically causes your blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to rise. By blocking this enzyme, it widens your blood vessels and allows blood to flow more easily.

Lisinopril also lowers the levels of aldosterone, a hormone that tells the kidneys to hold on to salt and water. By reducing aldosterone levels, this causes more salt and water to leave your body through the urine. Both of these actions lowers your blood pressure and

Available Forms and Brand Names

Lisinopril is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Oral Tablets

The most common dosage form of lisinopril is oral tablets. It is available in different strengths, including 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg.

This allows your doctor to start with a low initial dose and gradually increase as needed. Lisinopril tablets can be taken with or without food at any time of the day.

Common brand names for lisinopril tablets are Prinivil and Zestril.

Oral Solution

Llisinopril is also available as an oral solution under the brand name Qbrelis. This liquid formulation contains 1mg/mL of lisinopril and is useful for pediatric patients or adults who have trouble swallowing tablets.

Important Warnings and Precautions

While lisinopril is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are certain instances where caution or monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy

Lisinopril should never be used during pregnancy because it can cause serious harm to your unborn baby. The medication can cause fetal kidney damage, growth restriction, and other serious developmental problems.

Women of childbearing age should discuss effective birth control methods with their health care professional before starting lisinopril. If you become pregnant while taking lisinopril, call your doctor immediately so they can determine what other medicine can be used to manage your blood pressure.

Angioedema Risk

One of the most serious potential side effects seen in patients receiving lisinopril is angioedema, a condition involving swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This allergic reaction can be life-threatening if it affects breathing and requires immediate medical attention.

If you experience any facial swelling, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing while taking lisinopril seek emergency medical care or contact the poison control center if necessary. This reaction is more common if you have certain conditions, including collagen vascular disease (an autoimmune disorder like lupus).

Kidney Function Monitoring

Regular kidney function monitoring is important for anyone taking lisinopril, but especially elderly patients and those with serious kidney problems.

Your provider will typically use blood tests to measure kidney function and potassium levels before starting treatment and periodically during treatment.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

While lisinopril effectively lowers blood pressure, if it drops too low it can cause symptoms like dizziness, particularly when moving from a lying position to standing. You should check your blood pressure regularly and share the results with your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you experience dizziness, fainting, or other symptoms of low blood pressure, especially when your first start lisinopril or after any dose increases.

High Blood Potassium Risk

Lisinopril can increase your potassium levels, which can be dangerous if levels become too high. Symptoms of too much potassium include chest pain, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), unusal tiredness, and muscle weakness.

You should avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

Regular blood tests to monitor potassium levels help prevent this potentially serious complication, particularly in patients with kidney disease or diabetes.

Common and Serious Side Effects

Like all medications, lisinopril can cause side effects, including:

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of lisinopril are dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure. These symptoms often improve as the body adjusts to the medication, typically within the first few weeks of treatment.

Another common side effect some people experience is a dry, persistent cough. This occurs because ACE inhibitors prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, a substance that can irritate the respiratory tract.

Serious Side Effects Requiring Medical Attention

Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction require immediate medical attention and include facial swelling, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or hives.

Signs of liver problems, such as dark urine, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), also need to be checked immediately by your healthcare provider. Be sure to let your provider know if you have liver disease before starting this medication.

While lisinopril can be used to help protect the kidneys, it can also cause worsening kidney problems in some people. Symptoms can include changes in urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or unusual tiredness. You should have your kidney function monitored regularly while on lisinopril.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for lisinopril to start working?

You should notice a drop in your blood pressure within 1 to 2 hours of the first dose, with peak effects occurring at 6 to 8 hours after taking the medication. However, the full effects may take several weeks of consistent use to see them. During this time, your provider may adjust your dose based on your blood pressure response and how well you tolerate the medication.

Can I stop taking lisinopril suddenly if I feel better?

No, you should never stop taking lisinopril or change your dose without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so feeling “better” doesn’t mean your blood pressure is controlled. Suddenly stopping lisinopril can cause your blood pressure to increase, and lead to heart attack, stroke, or other serious complications.

Why does lisinopril cause a dry cough in some people?

The persistent dry cough occurs because ACE inhibitors like lisinopril prevent the breakdown of bradykinin, a substance that can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger coughing. This side effect has been seen in up of 35% of people taking lisinopril and usually develops within the first few months of treatment. While the cough is generally harmless, it can be bothersome enough that some patients need to switch to a different type of blood pressure medication, such as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).

What should I do if I miss a dose of lisinopril?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take double or extra doses to make up for a missed one, as this can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. If you frequently forget doses, consider setting phone reminders or using a pill organizer to help you remember.

Is it safe to take lisinopril with other blood pressure medications?

Yes, lisinopril is often prescribed in combination with other blood pressure medications like diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or beta blockers to control your blood pressure. However, you should inform your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you’re taking to avoid dangerous drug interactions. Some combinations may require more frequent monitoring or dose adjustments to ensure your safety while taking lisinopril.

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