What you need to know about lisinopril
Lisinopril is a medication that lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Find out more about how lisinopril works, how to take it and possible side effects.
What is lisinopril used for?
lowering high blood pressure (hypertension)
improving survival following a heart attack. It is usually taken for 6 weeks within 24 hours of a heart attack in suitable patients
treating symptoms of heart failure
treating kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) in people with Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
How does lisinopril work?
Lisinopril is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II, as part of the body's natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which increases the blood pressure.
By blocking the action of ACE, lisinopril reduces the production of angiotensin II, which allows the blood vessels to relax and widen and so its overall effect is to lower the blood pressure.
When pressure in the blood vessels is reduced, it makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body and this means that ACE inhibitors like lisinopril can be used to improve the symptoms of heart failure, where the heart isn't pumping as efficiently as it should be, and to improve survival following a heart attack. Lisinopril is usually used in combination with a diuretic medicine (a 'water tablet') to treat heart failure. It also appears to have a protective effect on the heart which slows any progression of heart failure
Lisinopril is used in diabetic kidney disease because it lowers high blood pressure (which can damage the kidneys) but also because it can reduce the loss of protein through the kidneys. It therefore helps to protect the kidneys and slow down the progression of the disease.
What should I know before taking lisinopril?
Some people feel dizzy in the first few days of taking lisinopril, and in particular after the first dose and after dose increases. It's best to take your first dose at bedtime.
If you feel dizzy you should lie down until the symptoms pass. Try getting up slowly if you find you feel dizzy when you stand up. If you frequently feel dizzy let your doctor know, as your lisinopril dose may need reducing.
If you're due to have an operation or dental treatment, it's important to tell the person carrying out the treatment that you're taking lisinopril. This is particularly important if you're likely to be given an anaesthetic.
Can I drink alcohol while taking lisinopril?
Although alcohol doesn't directly affect the medicine itself, drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure lowering effect of lisinopril, which can make you feel more dizzy and also make you more likely to faint. If you find lisinopril makes you feel dizzy it's best to avoid drinking alcohol. Also remember that alcohol can increase blood pressure and make heart failure worse, so it's important to minimise the amount of alcohol that you drink.
Can I drive while taking lisinopril?
As lisinopril can make some people feel dizzy you should make sure you know how you react to it before driving or operating machinery. Avoid doing these potentially hazardous activities if affected.
Do I need to avoid any food or drinks while taking lisinopril?
You shouldn't use salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt while you're taking lisinopril. This is because these have a high content of potassium, which together with the lisinopril can make the amount of potassium in your blood rise too high.
Other than alcohol, there's nothing else you specifically need to avoid while taking lisinopril. Just make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet to help your condition.
What medicines contain lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a generic medicine, available as lisinopril 2.5 mg tablets, lisinopril 5 mg tablets, lisinopril 10 mg tablets, lisinopril 20 mg tablets and lisinopril liquid. Lisinopril tablets are also available under the brand name Zestril.
Zestoretic, Lisoretic and Carace 20 Plus tablets all contain lisinopril together with a diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide. This can help to reduce the number of tablets you may need to take.
Last medically reviewed: 23.06.2020
You Might Also Like
