LISINOPRIL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prinivil, Zestril

GENERIC NAME(S): LISINOPRIL

Description: Lisinopril promotes vasodilation and BP reduction by competitively inhibiting ACE from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor) resulting in increased plasma renin activity and reduced aldosterone (a hormone that causes water and Na retention) secretion.

Onset: 1-2 hr.

Duration: 24 hr

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Absorbed slowly and incompletely from the GI tract. Absolute bioavailability: Decreased by approx 16% w/ heart failure. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 7 hr.

Distribution: It crosses the placenta. Plasma protein binding: Not significantly bound (25%).

Excretion: Via urine (as unchanged drug). Elimination half-life: 12 hr.

Uses

Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. It is an ACE inhibitor and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to help protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes.

How to use Lisinopril

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

If you are using the suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Warnings

This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.

Side effects

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

Fainting
symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat)
change in the amount of urine

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

rash
itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
severe dizziness
trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Allergic reaction to medication
Medical history of:
- history of swelling due to allergic reaction(angioedema)
- blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis)
- high level of potassium in the blood
- collagen vascular disease (such as lupus, scleroderma)
This drug may make you dizzy.
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions:

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

Aliskiren
certain drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as everolimus, sirolimus)
lithium
drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ARBs including losartan/valsartan, birth control pills containing drospirenone)

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Ask your pharmacist for more details.

A very serious reaction may occur if you are getting injections for bee/wasp sting allergy (desensitization) and are also taking lisinopril. Make sure all your doctors know which medicines you are using.

Overdose & Brands

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, potassium levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store the tablets and suspension at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard any unused suspension after 4 weeks. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands:

Available Brands:

Sinolip [ Apotex ]

Zestril [ AstraZeneca ]