Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: lisinopril
BRAND NAME: Zestril, Prinivil
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lisinopril is an
angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin is a chemical that is made by the body
continuously. It narrows blood vessels and thereby maintains (elevates) blood
pressure. When the enzyme is blocked by lisinopril, angiotensin cannot be
converted into its active form. As a result, blood vessels dilate and blood
pressure falls.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg oral tablets.
STORAGE: Lisinopril should be stored in a dry place at 15-30°C (59-86
°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Lisinopril is used to treat
elevated blood pressure,
heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack (myocardial
infarction).
DOSING: Lisinopril should be taken at doses specifically directed by
the physician. Lisinopril can be taken with or without food. Lisinopril should
be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels of lisinopril.
Lisinopril should not be taken within two hours of taking an antacid since the
antacid binds lisinopril and prevents its absorption. The dose of lisinopril is
often lowered slowly when discontinuing.
The starting dose of lisinopril is 5 mg daily, and the effective dose range
for treating heart failure is 5-40 mg daily. The dose can be increased by 10 mg
every 2 weeks to achieve the maximum effect. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily.
The starting dose of lisinopril for treating
high blood pressure is 10 mg
daily. The usual dose range is 20-40 mg daily. A dose of 80 mg is not much more
effective than 40 mg.
Treatment of heart attack (myocardial infarction) is started with 5 mg followed by 5 mg
after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours and then 10 mg daily. Treatment is
continued for 6 weeks.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: In general, lisinopril should not be taken with
potassium supplements or diuretics that conserve potassium [for example,
hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene (Dyazide)], since blood potassium levels
may rise to dangerous levels.
Nitritoid reactions (symptoms
includie facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) may occur when
injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate), used in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis, is combined with ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril.
PREGNANCY: Lisinopril should not be taken during
pregnancy because
fetuses and neonates have died when lisinopril was administered during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether lisinopril is excreted in
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: First doses of lisinopril can cause dizziness due to a
drop in blood pressure. Lisinopril can cause
nausea,
headaches, anxiety,
insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion and sexual dysfunction. Lisinopril should
be stopped if there are symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction including
feelings of swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Severe allergic
reactions (anaphylaxis) and hives occasionally occur. Rarely, lisinopril may
cause a drop in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Lisinopril can impair the function of the kidneys, and every person taking
this medication should have their kidney function checked.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 11/16/2007
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- ACE Inhibitors - Read about ACE inhibitors like Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramparil, Zestril and more. Information includes side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information.
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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